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Regents: Removal of members governed by law and policy
In response to recent interest regarding the Northern Marianas College Board of Regents to remove its own board members, the board issued a statement to clarify that its power and authority to remove any regent from the board are governed by statute and its own policies.
According to the statement, the law is codified in 3 CMC Section 1314, and the policy is Policy 1018, Removal from Office. Both the statute and the policy are available online for review. The public is invited to review the statute by visiting the website of the CNMI Law Revision Commission, and the policy by visiting the website of the Northern Marianas College.
The statute is general in saying that a regent may be removed for unexcused absences from meetings and for incompetence, neglect of duty, or malfeasance.
The policy, on the other hand, is more specific. It states that the grounds the Board of Regents have to remove a regent are: Physical or Mental Incapability; Loss of Residency; Failure to Attend Meetings; Conviction of a Felony (or any offense involving a violation of his/her official duties); Commitment to a Hospital (for specified reasons); and Failure to Perform Oath of Office.
To view the Board of Regents policies regarding the authority of board members, visit marianas.edu. (NMC)
