Southern University System President Backs Firing of Congressman’s Wife
NEW ORLEANS
The president of the Southern University System is backing the chancellor of the New Orleans campus in his half-year battle to fire Vice Chancellor Andrea Jefferson, wife of U.S. Rep. William Jefferson, D-La.
Leon Tarver said late last month he had sent Southern University-New Orleans Academic Vice Chancellor Dr. Andrea Jefferson a letter explaining his support of Chancellor Joseph Bouie’s right to “make his own team.”
Andrea Jefferson has been seeking to block Bouie by claiming whistle-blower protection. She has questioned Bouie’s management and ethics and contends that is why he wants her replaced (see Black Issues, Dec.6).
But after a university system board meeting late last month, Tarver said Jefferson’s allegations were a separate matter from whether Bouie should be able to shape his own administration.
“I did not find that to be an issue,” Tarver says.
Tarver says he agreed with Bouie’s contention that chancellors have the authority to remove administrators regardless of their performance.
He also said if Jefferson wishes to appeal the recommendation, it must be done before the next Board of Supervisors meeting, scheduled for Dec. 10.
Bouie began trying to reassign Jefferson and three top education staffers in late June. The other staffers also have about 10 days to appeal Tarver’s recommendation.
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