A group of Florida State University (FSU) faculty will review the school’s contract with the conservative Charles G. Koch Foundation, which paid the university $1.5 million over six years for the right to screen candidates for two economics faculty positions, the St. Petersburg Times reported Tuesday.
University President Eric Barron requested the review. He was not in office when the contract was signed, but has defended it amid questions.
Under the 2008 contract between FSU and the Kock Foundation, the conservative billionaire could also withdraw funding if it is not in favor with the new hires or if they do not meet the “objectives” set by Koch.
Most universities have strict policies that forbid donors’ influence over gifts so as not to compromise academic freedom. But this is not so for the Koch-funded program promoting “political economy and free enterprise.”
Faculty Senate President Sandra Lewis said she hopes the committee, yet to be appointed, will complete its review by mid-July.
