STATEMENT ON RESIGNATION OF DR. DIEDERICH FROM THE STATE BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION

(GRAND FORKS, ND – JANUARY 15) – University Democrats of North Dakota (UDND) would like to thank Dr. Kirsten Diederich for her service to North Dakota students and educators through the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE). Diederich kept focus on students while leading the SBHE through the turbulence surrounding former chancellor Hamid Shirvani.

Unfortunately, the integrity of North Dakota’s eleven public institutions are under threat by the Republican Supermajority repeatedly attempting to politicize higher education. It is shameful that North Dakota’s students have lost Diederich’s leadership in a game of partisan politics gone wrong. North Dakotans overwhelmingly rejected another attempt by Republicans to politicize higher education in November; 74% of voters rejected the measure to eliminate the SBHE. It’s incredibly worrisome that higher education has become a toy for Republican leadership, because educating our students is the best contribution to future economic success.

As students of the North Dakota University System, UDND and its chapters are saddened to see partisanship risking the quality and legitimacy of our education.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 November 2015

Media Contact:
Jed Hanson
Communications Director
(701) 367-0609
jed@jedhanson.com