JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Rep. Courtney Allen Curtis has sponsored legislation, HB 2740, that would create the Joint Committee on University of Missouri System Accountability. The joint committee would be comprised of seven state representatives and seven senators that would conduct a review of the University of Missouri System.
The planned joint committee would review the System’s rules and regulations, administrative structure, campus structure, auxiliary enterprises structure, degree programs, research activities, and diversity programs. The results of the review would then determine ways in which the University of Missouri would be held accountable for its actions relating to inclusion, diversity, and leadership. The joint committee would issue a report of its activities, findings, and recommendations to the general assembly. The report would be yearly and would start by the end of 2016.
The University of Missouri has been criticized for their lack of leadership and an inability to address university diversity concerns in an efficient manner, Rep. Curtis has timed this proposed legislation with an upcoming hearing the Urban Issues Committee is holding at the end of the month. Members of the University of Missouri leadership have been invited.
“I have invited members of the University of Missouri System to attend our hearing in a few weeks. Currently, Denice Adkins is the only person that has confirmed to attend. Hopefully, we will get more of Mizzou’s leadership to see the seriousness of these issues and will attend this meeting. I am aware it is their spring break, but attendance to this hearing would go a long way in demonstrating their dedication to the students, and to resolving these issues” said Curtis.
The other members that have been invited are Henry Foley, Chuck Henson, Mike Middleton, and Pamela Hendrickson.
