Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1944 [PAGE 496]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

1943]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

493

The Secretary read the motion adopted by the Board on June 19, 1943 (Minutes, page 407). On request of Judge Johnson, Mr. Sears presented a printed statement entitled "The University Counsel at Illinois—a Factual Record of Public Service, 1926-1943," signed by Barnabas F. Sears, William C. O'Brien, Edward F. Streit, and with the printed name of Charles F. Short, Jr., at the end, and read the statement in full to the Board. President Livingston asked Mr. Barr if he had any statement to make to the Board. Mr. Barr stated that Judge Johnson came to the University in the administration of President Kinley (when the entire membership of the Board was Republican) ; that the welfare of the University was the first aim of all, and that the University would lose if politics is injected in any way. No Board can do an injustice and live, no matter how strong it may be. It was customary to permit members of the staff to render service to outside employers for compensation; that the Board considered that selection to give such service brought credit to the University, and that when Judge Johnson proposed to take the Federal position, the Board considered it of value to the University and that there was an obligation to the government for the institution to help. It was inferred and the Board understood that Judge Johnson would be paid. His services were unusually satisfactory to the Board. He believed that Judge Johnson had done nothing contrary to the best interest of the University, and that any steps taken to remove him would be an injustice to him and detrimental to the University. President Livingston thanked Mr. Barr for his interest, and Mr. Barr retired. Mr. Sears asked whether there were any charges pending against Judge Johnson now, and President Livingston replied that there were none. Dr. Meyer asked what it would cost the University if Judge Johnson were replaced with outside counsel. Mr. Sears stated that legal services performed during the recent building program would have cost from $150,000 to $250,000 on a fee basis. On motion of Mr. McKelvey, the Board went into executive session, and Judge Johnson and Mr. Sears withdrew. After prolonged discussion, and on motion of Mr. Fornof, Judge Johnson was appointed Professor of Law on indefinite tenure, beginning September 1, 1943. The duties of this position shall be part-time service in the College of Law and in addition such legal services as may be requested by the President of the University and the Board of Trustees. The total salary is to be $9,000 a year, divided equally between the College of Law and the appropriation for "Legal Services and Expenses." The Board adjourned, at 11:45 p.m.

H. E. CUNNINGHAM PARK LIVINGSTON

Secretary

President