Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1990 [PAGE 415]

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1991]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

403

Potential Litigation

Mrs. Shepherd asked to discuss a letter sent to the trustees by Bryan Savage, an attorney in Urbana. Mr. Mitchell commented that it was his understanding that Mr. Savage intended to file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education charging that a racially tinged climate exists at the Urbana campus. Mr. Mitchell stated that this conclusion was drawn from several recent events on the Urbana campus, including the homecoming parade, in which minority students felt threatened by racial slurs or hostile encounters. Mr. Mitchell asked Mr. Higgins to discuss the case of Winston Smart, an unsuccessful applicant for an academic position who has indicated that he might initiate litigious action against the University. Mr. Higgins advised the board of the situation. Mr. Smart has filed a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging discrimination. The board was also advised that the president, upon the recommendation of Chancellor Weir, had authorized that a lawsuit be instituted against Smart. The basis of the proposed suit was reviewed. There was a general consensus by the board confirming the president's decision.

Lease of Flightstar Corporation

Mr. Boyle asked about the conditions surrounding the proposed lease with the Flightstar Corporation, which is item no. 11 in the regular agenda of this meeting. Dr. Bazzani explained that this revenue contract was negotiated at a new lower rate because the entire industry was experiencing economic problems and that this firm was important to the University in their undertaking of operating an airport. Dr. Bacon, Mr. Boyle, and Mr. Lamont all expressed concern that the University not get in the position of providing more assistance than necessary to private enterprises that do business with the University.

EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNED

There being no further business, the executive session adjourned at 11 a.m. The board reconvened in regular session at 11:05 a.m.

BUSINESS PRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY

President Ikenberry recognized and introduced observers from the campus senates and from the University Senates Conference.1

Special Remarks in Honor of Trustee Charles P. Wolff

President Ikenberry's comments reflected on the contributions of Mr. Wolff to the University and to the board from 1987 to 1991 as a trustee.

1 University Senates Conference and Chicago campus Senate: Irving F. Miller, professor and head, Department of Chemical Engineering; Urbana-Cnampaign Senate Council: Emily S. Watts, professor of English. (Stanley J. Gerson, professor of oral medicine and diagnostic sciences, Chicago campus, represented the University Senates Conference during the meetings on Wednesday.)