Boards in Arizona, Hawaii, Michigan and Wisconsin, have faced shake-ups and threats of removal recently amid culture war clashes and self-inflicted controversies. Brazen scandals, personal squabbles and partisan politics have prompted shake-ups and recent threats to remove members of governing boards in four states: Arizona, Hawaii, Michigan and Wisconsin. In some cases, such as at Michigan State University, board members have been accused of dramatic misbehavior—including accepting donor kickbacks and retaliating against faculty. In others, such as at the Universities of Wisconsin system, they are caught up in political headwinds, under pressure from conservative lawmakers over support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
