January 15, 2013

Kerrey Says His Emeritus Role at New School Invites Controversy

Kerrey Says His Emeritus Role at New School Invites Controversy 1

Nati Harnik, AP Images

Bob Kerrey of the New School: "We have to be careful to make certain this emeritus position actually does add value to the university. I do think thus far it has, but if it continues to cause problems for the new president, we should negotiate an alternative."

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close Kerrey Says His Emeritus Role at New School Invites Controversy 1

Nati Harnik, AP Images

Bob Kerrey of the New School: "We have to be careful to make certain this emeritus position actually does add value to the university. I do think thus far it has, but if it continues to cause problems for the new president, we should negotiate an alternative."

By Jack Stripling

Bob Kerrey's sometimes-rocky tenure as president of the New School ended two years ago, but Mr. Kerrey now says his continuing role at the institution invites controversy and may need to be rethought or even eliminated.

Mr. Kerrey, who had notable clashes with the faculty during his nine years at the university in New York City, was named its president emeritus in January 2011. That vaguely defined post, which earns Mr. Kerrey a six-figure salary each year through 2016, has become