The chief legal counsel for the state Board of Higher Education says outside of one possible violation of the state’s open meetings law – allegations against Chancellor Ham Shirvani and the Board of Higher Education are unfounded.
Claire Holloway briefed the Board on what she called an “exhaustive investigation” into allegations raised in documentation given to the Board by its student member, Sydney Hull. Besides violations of the open meetings law, the documents allege Shirvani didn’t follow board policy, and that one college president was threatened with his job.
"When I did my thorough investigation, I found no violations of law or other policies," Holloway told the Board. "I think the documentation I have provided in my report will clarify that. I will also say that many of the allegations were factually incorrect."
Shirvani says he feels vindicated…and says it’s time to put what he called this “distraction” to rest.
"We have a lot of wonderful faculty and staff in the system, as well as presidents, that are really moving in the right direction," said Shirvani. "We're just going to go back and get on with our business. At least, I'll do my best."
Shirvani says it appears to him some people inside the system – as well as some outsiders – are frightened of the changes being implemented in the system.
"I hope they give me a chance and work with me," said Shirvani. "I don't think they should be frightened. Once the system is moving in the direction it should, I think everybody benefits."
The full 200 page report on the investigation is available on the University System’s Web site.
