[Vision2020] Amendment to State Constitution - SRJ 101

[Wayne Price]

Visionaries,


I initially was in favor of amending the  Idaho State Constitution in  
regards to the University of Idaho, to bring it in line with all of  
the other 4 year Universities and Colleges in Idaho.

However, after looking into WHAT the change in the constitution  
actually means, and after a confirmation of what it means by the  
university itself, I cannot endorse, nor support,
nor vote for the change to the state constitution. And will work  
AGAINST the amendment. I have no issue with the University being  
brought in line with all of the other schools,
but this particular amendment allows them to charge tuition like the  
other schools, but to still  NOT comply with the other state laws that  
those schools are required to comply with.

ALL this constitutional amendment will change is the University of  
Idaho's ability to charge tuition, it does NOT change any other status  
of the University and as such
they will STILL ignore Title 65 of the Idaho Code that gives veterans  
a preference in hiring as required under Idaho state law.  Could this  
be changed?  YES and without  resorting to
changing the state constitution. All that has to happen is for the  
Board of Regents to tell the University to comply with Title 65. The  
board and it's appointed members  have chosen NOT to.
So when the member of the board DO decide to run for public office, I  
will strongly campaign against them for their anti-veteran stance.


The answer provide this morning from the University of Idaho is as  
follows: "SJR 101 only applies to removing the UI's constitutional  
prohibition on charging tuition. It doesn't impact any other  
provisions in state law".
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