Weekly Briefing: What Do Public Colleges Do When Conservative Lawmakers Meddle?

When state leaders impose their politics on a public university, what does the institution do? ADVERTISEMENT [Weekly Briefing Logo]( Did someone forward you this newsletter? [Sign up free]( to receive your own copy. When conservative lawmakers want to push their views on a public university, how does it respond? Last year, the Idaho state legislature cut $1.5 million from Boise State University’s budget. A bill from the state’s [Republican-controlled]( body targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at Boise State and cut $1 million from two other state universities. In 2020, the state [banned affirmative action]( at public colleges. Boise State’s 2021 budget cut is one example of how elected leaders are trying to impose their beliefs on public colleges, and they’re doing so not only with budget cuts, but also by setting limits on how courses are taught and interfering with university appointments and policies. For example, last year the University System of Georgia made changes [in its post-tenure review policy]( that some faculty members criticized as a weakening of tenure. The University of Florida faced scrutiny over its initial decision last year to [not allow professors]( to testify in a voting-rights case against the state. Though the institution eventually [reversed its decision]( and allowed the professors to testify, the situation [drew national attention]( and criticism for potentially limiting the professors’ academic freedom and free-speech rights. In 2021, Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin of Idaho [started a task force]( to examine “indoctrination” in state education, “to protect our young people from the scourge of critical race theory, socialism, communism, and Marxism.” Some professors fear that such oversight can hurt Boise State’s credibility in the community. Faculty members and community leaders recently hosted a symposium on adjusting property taxes to help homeowners affected by rising housing values. The event was off campus, and the university wasn’t listed as a sponsor. In contrast, 15 years ago the university held a similar event on campus. Ultimately, Boise State needs Idaho’s support for the institution, said Mike Sharp, a university spokesman. Beyond state funding, the university’s land is in the name of the Idaho State Board of Education, and university buildings are all state buildings. The university has to be careful in how it responds to conservative lawmakers and their legislative agendas. [Read this story]( published in partnership with ProPublica, about Boise State’s plight and what it means for other public universities in similar situations. SPONSOR CONTENT | London Metropolitan University [The hidden costs of recruiting international students]( ADVERTISEMENT Lagniappe. - Read. 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