U-Va. Board of Visitors considers limiting public dissent

[mahatmakanejeeves]

by its own members, not by students. Still, irony, because of Jefferson and all that stuff. I already know that Jefferson did not write the Constitution, so thanks in advance.

U-Va. Board of Visitors considers limiting public dissent

By Susan Svrluga July 30 at 8:45 PM 

Members of the University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors are considering a policy that would limit their own ability to speak freely about decisions the board makes, including when members disagree with those decisions.

If the board adopts the draft “statement of expectations,” the policy could require board members to defer external questions to the board’s rector, avoid public dissent about board decisions and limit their ability to individually request information about the university. The draft was discussed by a special committee of the board created to improve governance after the leadership crisis at Virginia’s flagship university two years ago, when a split on the board and with the U-Va. president became public and acrimonious.

“After robust discussion of an issue, we strive to reach a consensus on the merits,” read the draft, which was developed ahead of a committee meeting Tuesday and stated that Visitors should vote their conscience but then not oppose the results. “Visitors shall publicly support, or at the very least not openly oppose, the Board’s action as a strong, visible consensus facilitates successful execution of policy and strategy.”

Since dissent is betrayal, my nomination for their next member is: