Iowa Board of Regents' stunning lack of accountability

[rurallib]

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/iowa-view/2016/08/05/iowa-board-regents-stunning-lack-accountability/88274504/

When former University of Northern Iowa president Bill Ruud announced he was leaving, Iowa Board of Regents president Bruce Rastetter praised him for “great progress” and leaving “UNI in a stronger position than when he arrived.”

It remains curious why Ruud had to go. Officially, the board didn’t fire Ruud, but his contract wasn’t renewed and that sends a message. Ruud’s graceful exit masks the injustice the regents did to him and UNI. Ruud’s departure is also another sign the board lacks accountability.
<<snip>> (lots of good stuff about Rastatter and Branstad in between - MUST READ!)

There are three patterns here, all not befitting the board: 1) The board functions as a revolving door of political patronage, 2) the board is secretive in its dealings, particularly where cronyism and favoritism might come to light, and 3) the board seems to treat compliant university presidents with special favor, and those it deems less compliant with disdain.

hopefully the board of regents along with Medicaid, the closing of the mental health institutions, Orascom, school budget cuts and more will finally bring Branstad/ Reynolds down in 2018.

[progressoid]

1. Grrrr...

F...king crooks. They're trashing our once respectable university system.

Is this something Tom Miller can look into?

[rurallib]

2. interesting question

I am no lawyer by any means. My guess is yes he could.
But I doubt there is any way short of some some very substantial evidence he would do anything.
Based on the McDonnell case from Virginia last SCOTUS term it is nearly impossible to prove a quid pro quo. Short of someone signing a statement, I doubt there is much he could do.

That is why we need informed citizens to do what they are supposed to do.