In our view: MSSU must shed cloak of secrecy

In our view: MSSU must shed cloak of secrecy

— Deeds done in the dark are unworthy of a public university.

More so when those deeds are done by the group led by an attorney and half of whose members are attorneys.

Missouri Southern State University's Board of Governors has again stepped into the shadows to conduct business, this time to discuss the hiring of a company to investigate candidates for president. There is no if, and or but about it: This discussion is not protected under Missouri law and should have been conducted in the open.

What's worse, it comes on the heels of other questionable actions, including the appointment of a committee in closed session to find a replacement for the president, which we and legal experts believe was another direct violation of Missouri law, and an initial unwillingness to even turn over board packets before the meetings so the public can get a look at what's on the agenda.

Enough!

There is no justification for taking these steps in closed session, unless the board wants to deny taxpayers the details about how it is spending their money, unless it wants to deny the public the opportunity to participate, and unless it wants to duck accountability.

Two things now must happen.

Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney Dean Dankelson needs to hold the board accountable to the law.

And lawyer Dwight Douglas, board president, needs to change direction immediately.

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