State Board of Higher Ed vs. Richard Lariviere

Later this afternoon, the Oregon State Board of Higher Education will vote on whether or not to renew Richard Lariviere's contract.  He is the President of the University of Oregon and it came out last week that the board had already decided not to renew his contract.  The board claims Lariviere isn't a team player and doesn't work under the rules of the Oregon University System.  Specifically, the board mentions Lariviere giving professors and other staff members raises, even though he was instructed not to by the OUS.  This has caused quite the backlash from students, professors, and big donors, like Nike's Phil Knight.  At this weekend's civil war football game, many people sported t-shirts and signs saying "I Stand with the Hat", making mention of Lariviere's trademark fedora.  When Lariviere came on the field during the game, the crowd erupted in cheers. 
It appears that Lariviere wants to make the UO more independent, possibly even a private school, eventually.  Do you agree with this, or do you think the OUS is correct?  Please leave your comments below and listen to Portland's Afternoon News.  Mike Turner will be at today's meeting, covering the expected protestors, the meeting itself, and reaction.
-Lacey

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