University of Central Oklahoma
TUESDAY February 10, 1998
The Student Voice Since 1903
Bill to abolish tenure fails in state house
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By Phillip Roder Staff/fifer tate House Rep. Bill Graves attempted to abolish tenure, but his actions were not as serious as the reaction could have been had the bill passed. On Jan. 9, Graves, R-Oklahoma City, introduced House Bill 3128 to abolish tenure for higher education in the state of Oklahoma. If the bill had made it through committee, Oklahoma would have became the only state to abolish tenure. HB 3128 Section One states: "Beginning July 1, 1998 no more tenure will be allowed to be awarded to any employee within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education. Persons who currently have tenure will be allowed to retain such tenure." Section Three states: "It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is Guild hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval." The Vista repeatedly tried to contact Graves to find out what the "emergency" was or even how tenure was endangering the "preservation of public peace," but at press time calls made by The Vista remained unanswered. American Association of University Professors (AAUP) State President Dr. Tom Guild, along with 11 other state AAUP members, lobbied to get the bill killed while it was still in the House committee.
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I spy... Graduate student Roger Coe studies for his evening class in the Business Building last Wednesday. (Staff photo by Bryan Terry)
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INSIDE
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)0, FEATURE Multicultural Coordinator Barry Lofton discusses his support of students. 5
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>, MOVIES Creative Studies gradute and author Jerry Ellis speaks on his career in writing. 9
>. SPORTS Senior guard Joe Newton's performance leads Bronchos to two victories. 6 ' Mc;
INDEX