University of Idaho drops plans to purchase University of Phoenix

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The University of Idaho requested board approval to execute a termination agreement with the University of Phoenix.

After two years of planning, Idaho lawmakers halted the deal due to concerns over transparency and liability. Attorney General Raúl Labrador sued the Idaho State Board of Education over the agreement, arguing that it violated the state’s open meeting laws because it was decided behind closed doors.

The education board held a special meeting on Thursday to discuss the request. The agreement would terminate the asset purchase agreement and sever the affiliation between the two agencies.

The agreement will also provide a reimbursement of $17.2 million to the University of Phoenix.

“The university has consistently recognized the potential benefit fo