A New Mexico judge has denied a request to prevent Western New Mexico University (WNMU) president Joseph Shepard from receiving a $1.9 million severance package. The decision came after a lawsuit was filed by the state attorney general seeking to block the payout, claiming it violated state laws regarding public funds. However, the judge ruled that the attorney general did not have standing to bring the lawsuit on behalf of taxpayers.
Shepard’s severance package has been a point of controversy, with some questioning the legality and ethics of such a large payout. Critics argue that the money could be better spent on educational resources or staff salaries at the university. Despite the lawsuit and public outcry, Shepard will still be receiving the full $1.9 million severance package.
The decision by the judge to deny the bid to block the payout is sure to reignite debate over executive compensation in public institutions and the use of public funds. Supporters of Shepard argue that the severance package was part of his employment agreement and should be honored. The controversy surrounding the payout is likely to continue as stakeholders on both sides of the issue weigh in.
Source
Photo credit www.krqe.com