Jay Rothman
MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Amid efforts to fire the president of the Universities of Wisconsin, a Fox Valley lawmaker is calling a legislative committee hearing to demand answers from UW regents.
State Rep. Dave Murphy, R-Hortonville, chairs the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities. He says the UW Board of Regents has not given a reason for its desire to fire system president Jay Rothman.
“As Chairman, I am troubled by the lack of transparency surrounding these reports,” Murphy said in a news release. “President Rothman deserves to know exactly why the Board has lost confidence in his leadership. At the hearing, members of the Board of Regents will be called to testify and explain their reasons for pursuing his removal.”
The regents are set to meet Tuesday evening to consider Rothman’s fate.
The effort to fire Rothman came to light late last week when The Associated Press obtained letters from Rothman to the regents saying he’s been told to either resign or be fired, but has been given no reason and won’t step aside.
Board president Amy Bogost told AP the regents do not comment on personnel matters.
“The Board owes Wisconsin taxpayers, students, and families a full explanation,” Murphy said. “They should provide specific reasons or stand down from this effort. This hearing will ensure accountability and transparency in our University of Wisconsin System.”
Murphy praised Rothman’s leadership in addressing declining enrollment and his efforts to support free speech on campus.
The date, time and location of the hearing will be announced in the coming days, Murphy said. The committee will invite testimony from regents, university stakeholders and the public.
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