Governor Asks for Resignations of All Members of the Texas Southern University Board of Regents

Governor Rick Perry of Texas has asked members of the board of regents of Texas Southern University to resign. Governor Perry wants to appoint a conservator who would have broad powers over the university’s budget and spending as well as over administrative personnel.

The university has been beset with financial problems in recent years culminating with the firing of university president Priscilla Slade last year.

In proposing the plan, which must be approved by the legislature, Perry said, “The systematic problems at Texas Southern University run deep, and now is the time to take swift and decisive action to reform a proud but broken university administration.”

Three members of the board have said they will not resign. Governor Perry's plan also faces stiff opposition from some powerful black politicans in the Houston area.