MUN regents will meet with government

Memorial University’s board of regents says the Newfoundland government has agreed to meet to discuss an ongoing dispute that has sparked accusations the province is interfering with academic freedom.The university has confirmed that both sides have agreed to sit down but no date has been scheduled.

On Aug. 12, at a special session, the board approved in principle a draft paper on university autonomy developed by Eddy Campbell, the school’s acting president.

Campbell and another candidate for the school’s top job were rejected by Education Minister Joan Burke after she interviewed them.

The move was widely criticized as interference in the university’s autonomy, and Campbell subsequently withdrew his name from the running.

Premier Danny Williams has said he doesn’t believe there was anything wrong with Burke’s involvement in the search process.

- The Canadian Press