UW President’s Search Bill Clears House Heads to Senate [AUDIO]

The state House passed a bill on a 41-18 vote that would allow searches for University of Wyoming and state community college presidents to be closed to the public.The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. the bill was proposed after media outlets in the state protested the decision by the UW Board of Trustees to hold a confidential search for a new president to replace retiring president Tom Buchanan. House Majority Whip Casper Representative Tim Stubson (HD-56) says the university could attract more quality candidates if the search is done confidentially.

we know for a fact that we would have had a significantly smaller pool of candidates....

Jackson Representative Keith Gingery,Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee says the names of the finalists should be made public.

...people on the committee say hey I know this person, good guy....

The Wyoming Senate has defeated a bill that would ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The bill's sponsor, Senate Minority Floor Leader Senator Chris Rothfuss (SD-9) said he is disappointed the bill failed .

It's definitely a big issue in Laramie, I do believe it's a big issue around the state....

Opponents,of the bill, including Casper Senator Charlie Scott (SD-30) said he was concerned that the bill would classify gays and lesbians as a protected class of citizens and lead to employment lawsuits.