Republican Leader Criticizes Efforts to Oust UW System President

Lack of transparency in potential removal of Jay Rothman draws fire from state legislator

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, photorealistic painting of a university administration building with warm, golden sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows across the facade, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of important decisions being made within.The fight over the University of Wisconsin system president's future reflects the delicate balance between academic freedom and political influence in public higher education.Madison Today

Efforts by the University of Wisconsin system's board of regents to quickly and quietly oust system president Jay Rothman have drawn criticism from a top Republican state legislator. Rep. David Murphy, chair of the Assembly's colleges and universities committee, said the lack of transparency around the potential removal of Rothman, who has been president since 2022, is 'unacceptable' and called for a 'full explanation' from the board.

Why it matters

The fight over Rothman's future comes at a pivotal time for the UW system, as it grapples with declining enrollment, debates over free speech on campus, and the departure of the chancellor of its flagship Madison campus. Rothman's tenure has also involved navigating negotiations with the Republican-controlled state legislature.

The details

Rothman said in letters to regents that they were trying to force him to resign or face being fired without explanation. Republican Rep. David Murphy, a frequent critic of the university, praised Rothman's work but said he is 'concerned that the push to oust him may actually stem from his strong support for free speech and open inquiry on our campuses.' Murphy called on the board to provide a full explanation or 'stand down from this effort.'

  • Jay Rothman became president of the UW system in 2022.
  • Rothman raised the possibility of resigning in 2023 when the board rejected a deal with legislative Republicans over diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
  • Jennifer Mnookin, chancellor of the flagship Madison campus, is leaving at the end of the current academic year in May to take a new job.

The players

Jay Rothman

President of the University of Wisconsin system since 2022, with no prior experience administering higher education. His tenure has involved efforts to increase state funding, debates over free speech, and declining enrollment leading to campus closures.

David Murphy

Republican state Representative and chair of the Wisconsin Assembly's colleges and universities committee, who has been a frequent critic of the university.

Tony Evers

Democratic Governor of Wisconsin, who appointed the majority of the UW system's board of regents when Rothman was hired.

Jennifer Mnookin

Chancellor of the UW-Madison campus, who is leaving at the end of the current academic year to become president of Columbia University.

University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents

The governing body of the UW system, which is responsible for hiring and firing university leaders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This lack of transparency is unacceptable. President Rothman deserves to know exactly why the Board has lost confidence in his leadership.”

— David Murphy, Chair, Wisconsin Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee

“I am concerned that the push to oust him may actually stem from his strong support for free speech and open inquiry on our campuses—core principles that must be defended in higher education.”

— David Murphy, Chair, Wisconsin Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee

What’s next

The University of Wisconsin system's board of regents is expected to make a decision on Rothman's future in the coming weeks. With a new governor set to take office next year, the composition of the board could change, potentially impacting Rothman's status.

The takeaway

The fight over Rothman's leadership highlights the political tensions surrounding higher education in Wisconsin, as the UW system navigates debates over free speech, declining enrollment, and changing state leadership. The lack of transparency from the board of regents has drawn criticism, underscoring the importance of accountability and open communication in the governance of public universities.