Statement on UW-La Crosse Chancellor

MADISON—Sen. Rob Hutton (R, Brookfield), chairman of the Senate Committee on Universities and Revenue, issued the following statement regarding UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow:

“The leaders of our public institutions should be held to a high moral standard. The disgraceful conduct of Dr. Gow has fallen far short of what we expect as taxpaying citizens of the state of Wisconsin and further degrades public confidence in our institutions of higher education.

“Dr. Gow should not only be immediately removed as Chancellor, he also should have no further employment with UW. Any UW officials or board members who were aware of this conduct and chose not to address this behavior should also be removed from their position.

“I would also expect a serious and robust investigation into whether any of this was done on taxpayer time or with taxpayer resources.

“I strongly encourage UW to take the most decisive action possible to ensure he has no opportunity to continue degrading our institutions and, pending an investigation, to impose all other appropriate consequences.”