Amid staff reductions, Northern Illinois University has paid nearly two hundred thousand dollars in legal fees to defend the school’s president.
Northern Illinois University President Doug Baker recently announced a round of layoffs as the campus continues to struggle with the effects of the statewide budget impasse.
The student-run Northern Star newspaper recently reported on an area of the university's finances that doesn't get as much attention.
Reporter Ian Tancun found the school paid out 189-thousand dollars in legal fees related to a state probe by the agency which looks into allegations of misconduct. It’s still unclear the exact nature of the state investigation.
“[Baker] did express that he was sorry the university was having to incur these fees. I think he was as forthcoming as he could be, but I am not sure if the Baker administration fully grasps the perception on campus.”
The Faculty Senate Speaker says he has heard a handful of complaints about Baker’s role in the state investigation but urges the campus community to avoid assuming guilt.
