finance
University of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman Fired by Board of Regents
Jay Rothman was dismissed as president of the University of Wisconsin System on Tuesday in a unanimous board vote after nearly four years in the role. He stated he was blindsided by the decision and received no specific reasons despite requests. The ouster follows controversy over a 2023 deal he brokered to freeze certain diversity positions in exchange for state funding.
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The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System fired President Jay Rothman on Tuesday in a unanimous vote. Rothman had served in the position for nearly four years. The dismissal occurred less than a week after the board asked him to retire or resign or face termination.
Rothman told the Associated Press in an interview on Wednesday that he was blindsided by the ouster and had not been given any reasons for the decision. He sent two letters to the board requesting explanations but received none. Rothman indicated he is unlikely to pursue a lawsuit over the firing.
Dismissal The board's request for Rothman's resignation came late last week, according to the Associated Press.
Rothman considered stepping down but decided against it after the lack of response to his inquiries. The move ended a tenure marked by a public struggle for power within the system. Regent President Amy Bogost stated before the firing that the decision concerned the future of the University of Wisconsin System.
She emphasized the need for leadership with a clear vision to protect the flagship university, support comprehensive institutions, and meet evolving needs across Wisconsin's 72 counties. Bogost did not provide specifics on Rothman's performance.
Rothman faced criticism from state Democrats after negotiating a 2023 agreement that froze a certain number of diversity, equity, and inclusion positions in exchange for state funding to support pay raises, school projects, and other initiatives.
He acknowledged in his Associated Press interview that such decisions could upset people but declined to speculate on whether the deal influenced his firing. Rothman expressed disappointment but not anger, stating concern for the system's future. Republican state Senate President Patrick Testin described the dismissal as a blatant partisan hatchet job in a statement.
