Based on Lawrence Journal-World reporter Scott Rothschild’s tweets (see below), the Kansas Board of Regents are rejecting the social media work group’s thoughtful revisions to the Board of Regents’ failed social media policy.  If I understand Mr. Rothschild correctly, they’re going to tack on some language affirming academic freedom to a policy that eviscerates academic freedom.  In sum, the Kansas Board of Regents appear to be treating the workgroup’s recommendations as a kind of garnish for the Board of Regents’ original turd sandwich.
So, here are 3 things you can do:
- If you teach at a Regents university, please join us for Five on the Hour (April 21 and 22), when – at the top of each hour, in our classes – we’ll talk about freedom of speech and how it’s integral to our work.
- You might also contact the Kansas Board of Regents, and let them know your views. Â Contacting Governor Brownback is also a fine idea.
- Come to “Academic Freedom and Responsibility in the Age of Social Media,” at the University of Kanas, 27 April 2014. Free and open to the public.
tweeting from regents governance committee reviewing regents controversial social media policy #ksleg #ksregents
– Scott Rothschild (@ljwrothschild) April 16, 2014
regents policy: university ceos fire workers 4 social media posts conflict w/ school; workgroup recommends advisory policy #ksleg #ksregents – Scott Rothschild (@ljwrothschild) April 16, 2014
regent emert says workgroup got off track, didn’t address the assignment. workgroup co-chair johnson disagrees #ksleg #ksregents – Scott Rothschild (@ljwrothschild) April 16, 2014
regents emert and logan defend current board policy as legally defensible. workgroup co-chair johnson sez raises concerns #ksleg #ksregents – Scott Rothschild (@ljwrothschild) April 16, 2014
logan sez people have mistakenly said if faculty criticizes univ president they could be fired, that is ludicrous, he sez #ksleg #ksregents – Scott Rothschild (@ljwrothschild) April 16, 2014
based on dialogue, regents are not in favor of the workgroup’s recommendation #ksleg #ksregents – Scott Rothschild (@ljwrothschild) April 16, 2014
regents governance rejects workgroup recommendation, but is going over some proposed changes to social media policy #ksleg #ksregents – Scott Rothschild (@ljwrothschild) April 16, 2014
com adopts some workgroup language, but policy continue to allow ceos 2 fire workers over improper use of social media #ksleg #ksregents
– Scott Rothschild (@ljwrothschild) April 16, 2014
actually governance com voices support of logan changes, won’t officially adopt later meeting. goes to full regents in may #ksleg #ksregents
– Scott Rothschild (@ljwrothschild) April 16, 2014
I have to dash off to teach now, but wanted to get this info. out as soon as I could.
UPDATE #1 (16 April, 11:30am): Full report
- Scott Rothschild, “Regents leaders remain committed to disciplinary aspects of social media policy,” Lawrence Journal-World, 16 Apr. 2014. My favorite quotation is from Charles Epp (spoken to Fred Logan and the Regents): “You are touching the third rail of higher education here.”
UPDATE #2 (16 April, 2:30 pm): Regents now say they will adopt “nearly all” recommendations of social media workgroup.
@ksregents Chairman Logan thanked the co-chairs of the Social Media Policy workgroup, “which did very helpful work.”
– KS Board of Regents (@ksregents) April 16, 2014
.@ksregents A surprising comment, given that Mr. Logan appears to have dismissed the workgroup’s suggestions. http://t.co/f5anw7vYVx – Philip Nel (@philnel) April 16, 2014
@ksregents Chairman Logan reiterated criticism of the Board, university leadership & policy is protected speech without question. – KS Board of Regents (@ksregents) April 16, 2014
.@ksregents Excellent! So, you will then be adopting the workgroup’s thoughtful revision? Is @ljwrothschild wrong? http://t.co/f5anw7vYVx – Philip Nel (@philnel) April 16, 2014
“When you see what the workgroup proposed, and you see our new language, you will see we adopted nearly all of it.” – Chairman Logan – KS Board of Regents (@ksregents) April 16, 2014
.@ksregents So, then, @ljwrothschild‘s story inaccurate? http://t.co/f5anw7vYVx If @ksregents is adopting revisions, then kudos to you! 1/2 – Philip Nel (@philnel) April 16, 2014
.@ksregents Indeed, if @ksregents adopts revisions, then I of course will retract my criticism & apologize for intemperate comments. 2/2 – Philip Nel (@philnel) April 16, 2014
The new recommend language will be publically available before the next Board Meeting, watch for details: http://t.co/MBZGQ3uZao
– KS Board of Regents (@ksregents) April 16, 2014