The Koch bros. are trying to inject their politics into public colleges

This is egregious. Could FSU be jeopardizing their public status and hence their state funded subsidies by letting a private donor buy access into the hiring process? You can let David W Rasmussen know your feelings by calling (850) 644-6284.


Article from St. Petersburg Times Online: http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/billionaires-role-in-hiring-decisions-at-florida-state-university-raises/1168680


A conservative billionaire who opposes government meddling in business has bought a rare commodity: the right to interfere in faculty hiring at a publicly funded university.

A foundation bankrolled by Libertarian businessman Charles G. Koch has pledged $1.5 million for positions in Florida State University's economics department. In return, his representatives get to screen and sign off on any hires for a new program promoting "political economy and free enterprise."

Traditionally, university donors have little official input into choosing the person who fills a chair they've funded. The power of university faculty and officials to choose professors without outside interference is considered a hallmark of academic freedom.

Under the agreement with the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation, however, faculty only retain the illusion of control. The contract specifies that an advisory committee appointed by Koch decides which candidates should be considered. The foundation can also withdraw its funding if it's not happy with the faculty's choice or if the hires don't meet "objectives" set by Koch during annual evaluations.

David W. Rasmussen, dean of the College of Social Sciences, defended the deal, initiated by an FSU graduate working for Koch. During the first round of hiring in 2009, Koch rejected nearly 60 percent of the faculty's suggestions but ultimately agreed on two candidates. Although the deal was signed in 2008 with little public controversy, the issue revived last week when two FSU professors — one retired, one active — criticized the contract in the Tallahassee Democrat as an affront to academic freedom.

(article continued at link above)

They HAVE injected their politics into univerisites, most of which are so cash-starved they accepted the devil's bargain out of sheer desperation.

they must make this a Right Wing Country.

You know the mantra, This is a Conservative Country.

However, most public institutions are quite liberal (thank God) in their choice of faculty and they damn sure won't get their mittens on HBC!

The fact that a majority of the reporters are liberal doesn't mean anything when you consider that the companies that own the media are pushing a corporatist conservative agenda. I think the legal community needs to take a close look at this because FSU could be committing a crime if they are taking private money and making decisions based on that private influence. Sounds like a kickback to me. Also, the taxpayers are helping to support this institution.

or somebody in that state needs to investigate!!

There will be no investigation. Never doubt it.

on "liberalism" in universities began in earnest.

so there is public interest. Maybe a real challenge to their work?

Because we are all paying for this. They just bought a chair.