Bill Backing WSU-Spokane Passed, Sent To Governor

Washington State University will become the flagship higher education presence in Spokane under legislation approved by the Senate and sent to the governor on Monday.

The Senate approved the turf-war truce bill 27-21, rejecting arguments by Sen. Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, and other critics that “micro-managing” from Olympia will only make problems worse.

The plan, SB6655, says the two colleges may no longer co-locate in Spokane. WSU is designated as the lead institution for expanding upper-division and graduate courses. Eastern isn’t ordered to withdraw its current offerings, but the state board is directed to take steps to avoid duplication and to encourage collaboration between the schools.

Earlier, Eastern trustees had called the legislation “extremely ill-conceived.” Trustees wanted a year to complete work on a mission statement and an operations plan. WSU also is working on a study.

The legislation, which largely follows the recommendations of the state Higher Education Coordinating Board, has the blessing of Gov. Gary Locke.