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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Billionaire's role in hiring decisions at Florida State University raises questions - St. Petersburg Times

Billionaire's role in hiring decisions at Florida State University raises questions - St. Petersburg Times

Billionaire's role in hiring decisions at Florida State University raises questions

By Kris Hundley, Times staff writer
In Print: Tuesday, May 10, 2011


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A conservative billionaire who opposes government meddling in business has bought a rare commodity: the right to interfere in faculty hiring at a publicly funded university.

A foundation bankrolled by Libertarian businessman Charles G. Koch has pledged $1.5 million for positions in Florida State University's economics department. In return, his representatives get to screen and sign off on any hires for a new program promoting "political economy and free enterprise."

Traditionally, university donors have little official input into choosing the person who fills a chair they've funded. The power of university faculty and officials to choose professors without outside interference is considered a hallmark of academic freedom.

Under the agreement with the Charle