UT regents chairman apologizes for saying black perspective on board not 'critical'
AUSTIN — Paul Foster, chairman of the University of Texas System Board of Regents, said this week he doesn't think it's necessary to have an African-American's perspective on the board, remarks he quickly walked back when asked by the media.
Speaking to the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, Foster said it is "valuable" but not "critical" to have a black regent on the board that oversees the university system. He made the remarks after Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, said he was concerned the board doesn't have an African-American member.
"Do you think that perspective is necessary, in this day and age, to make certain that the decisions that you are entrusted to make are made with the best information available in order to render a decision based on what the facts are?" West, who is black, asked Foster.
"I think that perspective is valuable, yes," Foster answered.
Read more: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/higher-education/2017/01/27/ut-regents-chairman-walks-back-comments-thatblack-perspective-board-critical
