Illegal Actions by the UA BOR

The University of Alaska Board of Regents — Anderson, Church, Colligan, Crum, Harrison, Jepsen, Michel, Resler and Seekins — passed a motion on Feb. 21, 2025, to gut the University of Alaska’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Regent Selimi was the only member of the BOR to show humanity, compassion and a moral compass by voting NO.

With this motion the BOR is attempting to destroy the very essence of what we are as a public university while being guided by political ideology.

My parents were born during World War II under German occupation. I would not be here if my grandparents had not protected my parents. I would not have known my grandfather if my grandmother had not delayed the Nazis at the front door of their small family farm so my grandfather was able to run across their fields in the back and escape in the woods. The Nazis were rounding up village males that day for execution in retaliation for attacks by the Dutch Resistance. Elon Musk’s sieg heils are unpleasant reminders of this very dark time in world history.

The BOR motion and its directives are unconstitutional and violate our First and Fifth Amendment rights.

The relevant executive orders and guidance they refer to in order to justify their illegal actions are under temporary restraining orders because federal judges believe them to be illegal and unconstitutional.

The BOR therefore violated the U.S. Constitution and anyone at the  University of Alaska who executes their directives would also be violating our Constitution.

The BOR stated that it “reaffirms its dedication to being an inclusive, nondiscriminatory institution, committed to offering equal opportunity and access for all individuals,” but this is in direct conflict with the content of the motion to scrub DEI from public university records.

The BOR also stated “We also reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment and honoring Alaska Native culture and heritage" in an attempt to placate an important segment of our students and university employees. This is disrespectful and disingenuous at best.

I do not see how the Regents who voted YES can remain on the BOR and have any credibility left.

If they were to resign now, at least the students and employees of the University of Alaska would know that they took responsibility for their irresponsible actions and that they have a modicum of decency left.

If they remain on the BOR, they will forever be known as the ones who violated the U.S. Constitution and were responsible for the demise of the University of Alaska as we know it.

Dr. Bult-Ito is a Professor of Neurobiology and Neurophysiology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he has taught, conducted research and provided service for almost 26 years. He teaches courses in neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience research capstone, mentoring in the sciences and cell and molecular biology. His research focuses on the development of a new drug for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. Dr. Bult-Ito’s service this year includes UAF Faculty Senate president, member of the UA Faculty Alliance, and secretary of United Academic AAUP-AFT Local 4996.