Today, Partners for College Affordability and Public Trust issued the following statement in response to the Virginia House of Delegates' unanimous passage of House Bill 2120, a bill introduced by Delegate Mark Keam (D-Fairfax)to strengthen transparency within governing boards of Virginia's public colleges and universities.

"HB 2120 is a positive step forward for thousands of Virginia students directly affected by the decision-making process of public college and university governing boards," said Stacie Gordon, Partners' state advocacy manager. "The bill requires the board to post more public information than they do today, including board email addresses, and the development of uniform real-time electronic access for those shut out from meetings today. These are clear wins for students, parents and public.”

Gordon continued, "As institutions navigate today's unique challenges, their students deserve greater transparency into the decisions being made and who is making them. We applaud the House of Delegates and, specifically, Delegate Mark Keam for his leadership in championing this bill. Now, we call on the Senate to pass this measure.”

“Regardless of the minimum standards set by law, we will continue to shine a light on the current gaps in public college and university board practices and work to hold institutions to the highest standards of transparency and accountability,” said Gordon.

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VIDEO: Virginia Delegate Mark Keam (D-Fairfax) presenting House Bill 2120 on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates

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Citation: Keam, Mark. "Second Reading of House Bill 2120 before the Virginia House of Delegates." (February 3, 2021). Available from: Virginia House of Delegates Video Streaming Archives; Accessed: 02/04/2021.