The Board of Regents met in closed session for around three hours Wednesday morning, before voting to give the three state universities two weeks to investigate employees who allegedly violated state policy in online posts cheering the death of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Board of Regents president Sherry Bates read the motion that says employees under investigation can be put on leave.
Regent Christine Hensley says she wants it on the record that she raised concerns in their discussions about a lack of investigations before the meeting.
Regent David Barker says he has concerns about the length of time it has taken to answer concerns.
Barker is likely making reference to an Iowa State University employee whose social media post on Kirk led to a call by lawmakers and others to fire her. Regent Robert Cramer says it is important to review each case.
Cramer says this allows the universities to consider the impact of what was posted.
The motion approved by the board gives the Board of Regents executive director the authority to direct the universities to initiate an investigation of any future alleged violations.
