Roland Butler, Opposition Education Critic and MHA for the District of Port de Grave, says Education Minister Joan Burke’s admission earlier today that she interviewed and rejected two candidates for the position of President of Memorial University is disturbing and threatens the institution’s academic autonomy.

In a media scrum, Minister Burke stated that she conducted interviews with two individuals whose names were provided by the presidential selection committee. The minister directed the committee to continue its search but would not elaborate on the reasons for rejecting the two candidates.

"I was very alarmed to learn that the minister of education is now personally conducting interviews for the position of President of Memorial University," said Mr. Butler. "This type of academic interference at the university will certainly send a shock wave through the academic community across the country. Students and faculty will certainly question what impact this type of interference will have on the freedom of the university to remain autonomous and not under the constant scrutiny of government.

"I am certain the presidential selection committee is much more qualified and has more expertise than the minister of education to conduct interviews and select candidates. Again, the only reason we are hearing about this interference today is because of a national news story. There was no press release from government and they certainly did not voluntarily provide any information on this process. It is shameful for this entire process to be covered-up in such a manner.

"We have witnessed this approach several times before where this government has interfered in a process, provided direction and tried to keep details quiet. This is simply unacceptable and once again shows the lack of respect this government has for due process."

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