New Jersey Legislature Introduces Bill To Oust Rutgers Board Of Trustees
By David Madden
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBS) - With major changes set at Rutgers next week, there's a new move within the New Jersey legislature to get rid of one of the boards that runs the University. But that board is ready to fight for its existence in court.
Legislation introduced Tuesday and put on a fast track would eliminate the 59 member Rutgers Board of Trustees, leaving control to the 11 member Board of Governors. The trustees met in emergency session last night and passed a resolution that calls the proposal "an unconstitutional and illegal attempt by the state to intervene in the governance of Rutgers". So what if it passes and Governor Chris Christie signs it?
"The Board of Trustees will sue in court to protect its rights."
History professor Andrew Shankman says lawyers for the school are confident they'd win and besides, an injunction could affect a planned merger with UMDNJ. As of now, the measure is not on today's legislative agenda but that could change.
