Proposed legislation pending in both houses of the Legislature would place full control of Rutgers University in the hands of political appointees who could have no connection, allegiance or affinity for the university – an approach that has failed at other public institutions in the state.
The current governance structure of Rutgers is purposely designed to be free of partisanship and to maintain excellence in higher education.
This legislation is unconscionable and unconstitutional. The fact that it was placed in a position for floor action without consideration by any committee and input from the university's many stakeholders speaks volumes.
The Rutgers University Board of Trustees was established in 1766 – years before the creation of the United States of America and the State of New Jersey. Throughout its existence, the Board of Trustees has exercised balanced and independent leadership representing the interests of all stakeholders committed to Rutgers University’s future. This includes the interests of the more than 225,000 Rutgers alumni who live and vote in New Jersey – and whose voices are strongly represented on the Board of Trustees.
Last year, the Rutgers Board of Trustees acted as a voice of reason, representing the views of the vast majority of New Jersey citizens, to protect the integrity of Rutgers as the State University of New Jersey in the face of significant political pressure.
The legislation in question could derail, at the 11th hour, the historic integration of Rutgers University with most of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – an initiative that so many of us have worked so hard to achieve and that all agree would have tremendous benefits for the people of New Jersey.
The legislation is wrong for Rutgers, wrong for higher education and wrong for the State of New Jersey. If this legislation is enacted, Rutgers will take legal action to overturn it, and we are confident that we will prevail.