HOUSTON – Texas Southern University’s Board of Regents has unanimously voted to accept a mediation proposal regarding the firing of former president Austin Lane, Ph.D.
TSU officials and Lane went to a confidential mediation session for 13 hours on Monday. After airing out their grievances and working with a mediator, both sides came to an agreement. On Thursday, during a regularly scheduled meeting, the regents broke for an executive session to discuss the details of the proposed confidential settlement. After coming out of the executive session, the regents voted to accept the settlement and part ways with Lane without any claim of wrongdoing on his behalf.
In a 6-1 vote, the Board of Regents voted Feb. 4 to fire Lane after he was put on leave amid an investigation into admission practices at the university.
At a press conference on Feb. 6, Lane said he has already submitted an eight-page rebuttal to the board’s four-page termination notice.
“When you haven’t done anything wrong, it’s easy to speak,” Lane said during the press conference.
He accused the board of robbing him of his right to a public hearing when he was placed on leave. Lane said he requested a public hearing on numerous occasions.
Lane said that during his four years at the school, he’s had to clean house. He said he believes the board’s decision may have been motivated by the changes he has made.
Lane considers the firing to be a “witch hunt.” He also told KPRC 2 his record speaks for itself.
Lane’s farewell letter
After Thursday’s news about the proposal being accepted, Lane issued an open letter to the faculty, staff, students and alumni of TSU. Below is the full letter.
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