Letter: The higher-ed board is failing in its duties

To the editor,

The citizens of our state understand how important it is to have a high-quality higher education system not only for the students who attend our colleges and universities but also for the economic prosperity and quality of life of our state. The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has the constitutional authority to manage this system and to protect it from political interference.

This board has been struggling to live up to its responsibilities. It has failed to prevent the legislature from interfering in the internal workings of our colleges and universities.

Now the board seems prepared to appoint Brent Sanford, a former lieutenant governor, as the permanent chancellor without a national search, which is required for campus presidents and faculty. Mr. Sanford