Boise State hires lobbyist

Boise State has contracted with Pat Sullivan of Sullivan Associates, to lobby for the

university this year at the capitol.

Prior to Sullivan, who began representing the university this school year, BSU relied upon

John Frandon, executive assistant to the President, to represent university interests to the

legislature.

Provost Darrell Jones said the move to hire a registered lobbyist was prompted in large part

by a student protest last February regarding minimum wage for migrant farm workers.

“Last spring there was some controversy surrounding the student protest at the legislature

and I think there were some misunderstandings about the institution that followed,” Jones

said. “So there was an effort to ensure there were good relations with the legislature and

that they understood the institution.”

At the time, some legislators suspected Dr. Richard Baker, BSU professor of Sociology

and ethnic studies, was behind the protest. Baker had said the farmworker minimum wage

issue was an example of institutional racism.

However, Baker denied all involvement. Student protesters, including members of the

Idaho Progressive Student Alliance, also said they planned the foray themselves.

Jones said many legislators were upset with the students and the university following the

protests.

“A number of the legislators felt that the nature of the protest was inappropriate and they

weren’t sure what the institution’s role was vis-

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