Feb. 27, 2004

Statement from Pete Steinhauer, Chair Board of Regents

I am pleased that the Governor has named a Special Prosecutor in this case. Very serious allegations have been made and I agree with the Governor that it is critical to do everything we can to get the bottom of these issues quickly and responsibly. Because there are multiple jurisdictions involved, and extraordinary issues of privacy and confidentiality, I believe the Special Prosecutor will be able to bring expanded resources to the resolution of these important issues.

With regard to the request by the Governor to add two people to the Committee, I welcome his suggestions on how it could make the Committee more effective in accomplishing its critically important mission. I appreciate his support for the process that the Regents have put in place. I will put the Governor's request for two additional positions on the Independent Investigative Committee on the agenda for discussion and action at the regular Board of Regents meeting next Thursday, March 4.

I also am pleased that the Governor supports our desire for the committee to be vested with subpoena power.

Joint Statement from President Elizabeth Hoffman and Chancellor Richard Byynny

The Chancellor and I support the appointment of the Special Prosecutor, a step that is consistent with the conversations we have been having with the Attorney General and Governor's office over the last two weeks. We also support the Attorney General and his commitment to move quickly and aggressively to resolve these issues. It is critical that we work expeditiously and responsibly to address the serious allegations that have been made, and the Special Prosecutor will help do that.

With regard to the Governor's request for subpoena power, I have said from the day the Committee was appointed that I would support subpoena power if the Committee requested it. This would be an important tool to ensure that the facts can be established.

As for the Governor's suggestions on the Independent Investigative Committee, I am pleased to note the Chair of the Board of Regents is prepared to take it up immediately.

We want to thank the Legislature and the Colorado Congressional delegation for their strong bipartisan support for the University's process.