Since his return to his birthplace Moscow, University of Idaho President Scott Green has transitioned UI through COVID-19 protocols and responded to budget cuts caused by claims of social justice indoctrination at UI. Green reflects on his past two years as UI president and the current political climate of higher education.
Amid COVID-19 challenges, four-year universities in Idaho have also faced accusations of social justice indoctrination. The 2021 Idaho legislative session saw a collective $2.5 million budget cut for UI, Boise State University and Idaho State University.
The purpose of the cuts was to send a message about alleged social justice agendas.
Green views these claims of indoctrination as half-truths. The Idaho Freedom Foundation, a special interest group, has been vocal against schools pushing social justice agendas on students.
“If they were truly interested in helping universities, they (the IFF) would tell the whole truth,” Green said. “We can all improve, none of the universities are saying we can’t get better at what we’re doing, but they just tend to throw out allegations and misinformation.”
UI’s budget has been cut by $500,000 as part of the bill, HB 387, issued by the Idaho legislature. Green believes that while the university would have preferred the budget initially proposed by the governor, UI can live with the new number.
“We’d like to have that extra $500,000 and have it used to help the student experience,” Green said. “We’re going to do our best to mitigate that loss and try to handle those dollars centrally and try to protect the institution as best we can.”
Critical race theory has also played a key point in the recent legislative session as a part of the alleged social justice agenda. Green cites the accusations towards UI as a disservice caused by misinformation.
“All it does is harm individuals and citizens in the state of Idaho, and we owe our kids better than that,” said Green. “We’ll ensure that all voices are heard, and we always have, and we always will.”
Less than a year into his presidency, COVID-19 hit the U.S. forcing colleges, including UI, to go online. UI made the transition to Zoom and enforced several regulations entering the 2020-2021 academic year. Green reflected positively on UI’s ability moving into a modified learning environment and administering COVID-19 guidelines.
“We responded quickly and decisively and put in all the protocols to open up,” Green said. “We’ve conducted over 45,000 tests and public health has told us that not a single case has been traced back to a classroom.”
Green said the protocols utilized for the past year have been incredibly effective as a result of students, staff and faculty doing the right things. UI’s goal for the fall is to return to an interactive learning environment.
Despite the past year of COVID-19, UI was able to conclude the academic year with in-person commencement ceremonies. Class of 2020 and 2021 celebrated their graduation with six ceremonies in Moscow, one in both Boise and Idaho Falls. UI enforced COVID-19 guidelines and Green was happy the events would be live.
“We’re going to really have that great opportunity to make those students feel good about what they’ve accomplished and for me that’s what it’s all about,” Green said.
Green came back to Moscow to serve as UI’s 19th president in July 2019. For Green, the return to UI has been an opportunity to help the institution he deeply cares about. He wanted to assist in reinstating stability and face university financial challenges.
“I’m just glad to be back home,” Green said. “It’s just great to be back in the state of Idaho.”
Sierra Pesnell can be reached at [email protected]
Erin Fanning
Good insight into Scott Green's viewpoints (it's wonderful have an Idaho native as UI President)!