AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — University of Texas System regents have rejected attempts by two state lawmakers to monitor all interviews during an independent investigation into school admissions.
Reps. Trey Martinez Fischer and Lyle Larson of San Antonio both voted to censure regent Wallace Hall last month in part for his personal investigation into admission practices at the Austin campus. Hall’s efforts ultimately prompted a formal investigation into whether lawmakers used their influence to get unqualified students into school.
Fischer and Larson wrote the regents last week, saying they want to attend the investigation interviews and have already met with potential witnesses.
The regents responded on Monday that including the lawmakers would “compromise the independence and integrity” of the investigation.
In a unanimous vote, the regents called it an “unwarranted, inappropriate” intrusion.
