Koch Grant Gives Donor Influence on Faculty Hires

A $1.5-million grant to Florida State University from the billionaire businessman Charles G. Koch’s foundation gives him a significant measure of control over the hiring of economics faculty members at the Tallahassee campus, according to the St. Petersburg Times.

Under an agreement signed in 2008, an advisory committee chosen by Mr. Koch–who, with his brother, David, is a major backer of conservative and libertarian causes–screens possible instructors for a donor-financed program on “political economy and free enterprise.”

The foundation can withdraw its support if the hires don’t meet Koch-set objectives in annual evaluations.

David W. Rasmussen, dean of Florida State’s College of Social Sciences, said the Koch money has allowed him to add two assistant professorships and eight courses. “It seems to me it would have been irresponsible” to turn down the grant, he said.

Eric Barron, president of the university, told the Associated Press the foundation has only one of three seats on an advisory board that reviews faculty candidates and has not interfered in the hiring process.

“If there is anything that affected academic freedom, I would put an immediate stop to it,” he said.