June 8-9, 1953
06-08-1953
Volume 6 - Pages 428-429
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA
REGENTS MEETING
June 8-9, 1953
The Board of Regents met in a special session in the President's
office on Monday, June 8, to consider the case of Dr. Frank
Richardson. The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at
3:25 P.M. All Regents were present. The following members of
the Press were also present: William Gillis, Lloyd Rogers,
William Henley, Frank Johnson, Ed Olsen and Bob Bennyhoff.
The Regents agreed that legitimate representatives of the Press
be permitted to attend the deliberations of the Regents, with
the understanding that they would respect the request that cer-
tain portions of the deliberations would be "off the record".
Mr. John Marean had charge of the magnetic tape recorder and
played back the tape recordings of the hearing of Dr. Richardson
on Monday afternoon, June 8, and all day Tuesday, June 9, until
8:25 P.M.
At 8:25 P.M., having had the recordings played back, the Regents
proceeded to deliberate on that evidence, plus the exhibits on
the hearing.
Reporters present for the evening session on Tuesday were: Ed
Olsen, Robert Burns, William Henley, Bob Bennyhoff and William
Gillis. During the course of the discussion, reporters Lloyd
Rogers and George Umbenhauer came into the meeting.
It was agreed that, thinking of the welfare of the University,
it would be necessary to consider things other than those
brought out at the hearing.
General discussion and deliberation followed.
a) Motion by Mr. Grant carried unanimously that:
WHEREAS, a hearing was had before the Board of Regents
of the University of Nevada on May 25, 26, 27, 1953,
relative to Dr. Frank Richardson, a staff member under
tenure, and good cause appearing therefore, IT IS
ORDERED that he be removed as a member of the faculty
of the University of Nevada and that no future contract
be tendered him.
b) Motion by Mr. Crumley carried unanimously that an official
statement be prepared for release by the Regents.
c) Motion by Dr. Lombardi carried unanimously that a committee
be appointed to prepare such a statement, and that the com-
mittee be composed of Mr. Ross and Mr. Crumley.
Mr. Ross and Mr. Crumley then withdrew and prepared the statement
in accord with the above action. Upon return to the meeting, Mr.
Crumley read the statement as follows:
In the matter relative to Dr. Frank Richardson, staff member
under tenure, the Chairman of the Board of Regents of the
University of Nevada herewith announces the unanimous deci-
sion of the members of the Board.
Following the hearing held before the Board of Regents of
the University of Nevada on May 25, 26 and 27, 1953, and
good cause appearing, it is ordered therefor that Dr. Frank
Richardson be removed as a member of the faculty of the
University of Nevada and that no future contract be tendered
him.
The Board determines that Dr. Frank Richardson has demon-
strated insubordination, that he has not been cooperative
and that his conduct has not been in accord with the welfare
of the University of Nevada.
The Board desires to emphasize that its decision constitutes
no restriction on academic freedom or upon freedom of speech
at the University of Nevada. Any member of the faculty is
free at any time to express an opinion on any matter, contro-
versial or otherwise. However, once a decision is made by
proper authority, all concerned are expected to abide by
that decision.
Further, the Board emphasizes that while there has been a
change in admission requirements at the University of Nevada
to permit entrance by a graduate of any Nevada high school,
there has been no change in academic standards.
The State of Nevada occupies somewhat of a unique position
in that is has but one institution of higher learning. There
are high schools in the State which cannot possibly offer a
complete curriculum pattern for the students attending those
high schools. The University of Nevada is a State supported
institution, and the taxpayers should enjoy the right to pro-
vide for high school graduates of this State to enter the
University, regardless of subjects available at the particu-
lar high school attended, and be afforded the opportunity to
prove their ability to qualify for a higher education. This
does not mean a lessening of requirements for graduation
from the University.
The Secretary to the Board of Regents is instructed to
notify Dr. Frank Richardson of the action of the Board in
this matter.
d) Motion by Mr. Hardy carried unanimously that the Regents
adopt the statement (above) as prepared and presented by
the committee of Mr. Ross and Mr. Crumley.
e) Motion by Mr. Hardy carried unanimously that the statement
be released by the Board of Regents to the reporters and
that it be spread upon the minutes of this meeting, and it
was so ordered.
Next Meeting
Motion by Mr. Crumley carried unanimously that the next
meeting be the regular meeting in the Fall unless a prior
meeting is called by the Chairman.
The meeting adjourned at 11:25 P.M.