Opposition Education Critic and MHA for the District of Port de Grave, Roland Butler, says the premier’s interference in the operations of Memorial University (MUN) is clearly damaging the reputation of the university internationally and making it harder to find a replacement for former President Axel Meisen.

That assessment was also shared by the former chancellor and now Lieutenant Governor, John Crosbie, last year when he spoke publicly about the premier’s actions with respect to the university.

During his time as chancellor of MUN, Crosbie accused Premier Williams of placing political ambitions ahead of educational priorities in his dealings with the university. He even warned that such interference would make it difficult to find a qualified replacement for Axel Meisen who left the position of president eight months earlier than expected.

"Given what is happening now, I think Mr. Crosbie’s remarks were very insightful and accurate," says Butler.

"Any serious candidates who look at the history of what is happening here will see that academic freedom, independence and autonomy at the university is being compromised by the Williams’ government." Butler suggests that one would have to go back to the Smallwood years to find such interference in the operation of the university and the appointment of a president..

"I don’t think anyone can say they are shocked or surprised by the premier’s actions, since he has established a track record of doing this sort of thing. It is unfortunate that he lacks the understanding of just how serious an issue this is for the university’s status and reputation. Even his public disputes last year with the former president is yet another example of how his reckless approach is driving good people away from the province."