University of California opposes bill to reduce terms of UC Board of Regents

By Sujin Shin

The University of California and the UCLA Undergraduate Students Association sent letters Tuesday to the state Senate opposing a bill that would alter term lengths of UC Board of Regents.

Both letters, which were sent to the chair of the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee, spoke against SCA 1, which would reduce the term of a regent from 12 to four years. Additionally, the bill would set a maximum term limit for regents of 16 years.

“If this were to pass, it would be detrimental not only to the universities, but the students in the way the institution is run,” said Claire Doan, a spokesperson for the UC Office of the President. “The system that we have now ensures that regents are able to act more independently and … allows for greater blends of board members who are appointed by different governors and legislators.”

The bill, which was authored by State Senators Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens, and Anthony Cannella, R-Ceres, was passed on April 20 by the state Senate Education Committee. According to Cannella’s representative Jeff Macedo, the purpose of the bill was to keep the Board of Regents more accountable for their actions.

“Currently, some regents have served for over 20 years and their service should be commended,” Lara said at the hearing, “However, their lengthy term disincentives a dialogue with the public and the legislature.”

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[Source]: Daily Californian