Lawmakers in the Kentucky General Assembly have overridden Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of a bill that would have allowed public universities and community colleges in the state to fire faculty, including tenured staff, for financial reasons.House Bill 490 passed earlier in the legislative session with broad support in both chambers. The Kentucky House approved the bill 75 to 18, while the Senate approved it 80 to 19.
The bill allows.
The law allows faculty to be fired for what it describes as “genuine financial reasons.” These include financial need, low enrollment in a program or major, and a mismatch between income and expenses at the department or institution.The bill requires the governing boards of public institutions by Oct. 1 to set up a formal process for such removal. It also requires that affected faculty members be given 30 days written notice and an opportunity to respond.
Support for measurement
Aaron Thompson, the bill’s sponsor, said the legislation aims to improve financial management in institutions.The bill “gives these boards an additional tool in their toolbox to be a good steward of each institution’s future, their students and taxpayers,” Thompson said. Forbes Reports
Opposition to faculty groups
The bill has been criticized by education organizations and labor groups.The American Association of University Professors and the American Federation of Teachers said in a joint statement that the move poses risks to students and teachers. He expressed concerns about the scope of the provisions and the potential for misuse.AAUP President Todd Wolfson and AFT President Randy Weingarten said the bill could be used for purposes unrelated to financial need.
Governor’s veto and override
In his veto message, Beshear said the bill introduces an unclear standard for faculty termination.According to Forbesthey wrote that the measure does not clearly define “genuine financial reasons” that may allow programs or faculty positions to be targeted under claims of economic need.Despite these concerns, the Republican-controlled Legislature voted to override the veto and sign the bill into law.
Background
Kentucky universities already allow faculty to be terminated in cases of severe financial distress after a formal declaration of financial need.The new law expands these provisions by allowing terminations without such notice based on broader financial criteria set by institutions.
