Education board fires UO president Lariviere

KOIN:

In a unanimous vote, the State Board of Higher Education has fired University of Oregon president Dr. Richard Lariviere “without cause.” The decision came in a special meeting Monday at Portland State University. According to an Oregon University System press release, Lariviere will remain as president through Dec. 28 based on “provisions of his current contract.”The vote came after Lariviere addressed the board, saying:“Oregonians deserve better than struggling to avoid mediocrity. If we hope to find a way out of this march to mediocrity in public higher education, Oregonians deserve our best thinking about new approaches. They deserve our willingness to engage in uncomfortable conversations that may challenge long-standing practices.”Last week's announcement that the board would not renew Lariviere’s one-year contact was met with widespread criticism from many people, including Nike Chairman Phil Knight. Board president Matthew Donegan said Monday:“Today’s vote regarding Dr. Lariviere’s contract has been preceded by many efforts by the Board and the Chancellor to avoid having to take the path of contract termination. This is a personnel action and has nothing to do with policy positions or conflicting visions for the future of the University of Oregon. On the contrary, the Board encourages bold ideas and innovation, particularly those consonant with Governor Kitzhaber’s educational reform agenda and the state’s ambitious 40-40-20 educational attainment goals. This was an issue of lack of communication and eroded trust.”According to the press release, the board will meet again to discuss the appointment of an interim president.

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