Fight over University of Wisconsin system president’s future draws heat from Republican leader
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Quickly and quietly impeach the president A member of the University of Wisconsin system came under fire Friday from a Republican legislative leader who said he was “problematic” that the board of regents threatened to remove Jay Rothman without explanation.
Rothman He has been president of the multi-campus, 165,000-student university system since 2022. In letters to deputies obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday, he said they were trying to force him to resign or face being fired without explanation. The letters were the first public indication that Rothman’s job was in jeopardy and surprised university and state government officials.
Lawmakers contacted by the AP declined to comment.
“This lack of transparency is unacceptable,” Republican state Rep. David Murphy, chairman of the Wisconsin Assembly committee on colleges and universities, said in a statement Friday. “Chairman Rothman deserves to know exactly why the Board has lost confidence in his leadership.”
Rothman’s tenure was marked by federal cutbacks, controversy over free speech on campus during pro-Palestinian protests, and efforts to increase state funding amid declining enrollment that led to the closure of eight branch campuses.
Murphy, a frequent critic of the university, praised Rothman’s work and said he “made difficult decisions to maintain our campuses and protect Wisconsin students’ access to education.”
“I am concerned that the pressure to remove him may actually stem from his strong support for free speech and open research on our campuses, fundamental principles that must be defended in higher education,” Murphy said.
Murphy asked the board of regents to provide a “full explanation” of why they want Rothman removed or “retreat from this effort.”
During his tenure, Rothman had to negotiate with a Republican-controlled Legislature and a board of regents appointed mostly by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. The board was controlled by Evers appointees when Rothman was hired.
Evers spokeswoman Britt Cudaback did not respond to messages seeking comment Thursday or Friday.
Evers is not seeking a third term, meaning there will be a new governor next year with the authority to make appointments to the board of trustees. The board is responsible for the hiring and firing of university leaders.
Rothman raised the possibility of the board of trustees resigning in 2023. rejected a deal Reached out to Republicans in the legislature about diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The board then withdrew the vote and approved the agreement.
The fight over Rothman’s future also comes as its flagship Madison campus loses its president. Jennifer Mnookin He will begin his term as president of Columbia University at the end of the current academic year in May.
Rothman, the former president and CEO of the Milwaukee-based Foley & Lardner law firm, had no prior experience managing higher education.
His salary as UW president is $600,943.
