Board of Regents takes no formal action against Wichita State president after speech-cancellation controversy

The Kansas Board of Regents Wednesday evening issued a statement after an approximately four-hour-long special meeting that included an executive session concerning Wichita State University President Jay Golden and backlash he received following a decision to cancel a featured virtual speech from Ivanka Trump for WSU Tech's June 5 commencement.

While the board did not confirm a decision concerning Golden's future with Wichita State, it released a statement that says in part, "The Kansas Board of Regents is committed to working with our universities and colleges to support and promote freedom of speech and diversity and inclusion."

"During these unprecedented times, our universities have been forced to make quick decisions and act swiftly without the normal process of including all our stakeholders in decision making," the Kansas Board of Regents' statement continues. "We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve communications during times of crisis. We look forward to strengthening relationships with students, alumni and friends. It is vital that all stakeholders join us in this effort."

Dr. Golden also issued a statement following the board's meeting, voicing support for the board's stance.

"I stand with the Kansas Board of Regents, its support for freedom of speech and for diversity and inclusion," Dr. Golden says. "I look forward to continuing our efforts in advancing the mission and vision of Wichita State University for all of Shocker Nation."

Wednesday, Eyewitness News spoke with WSU College Republicans President Grant Clopine who penned a

backing Dr. Golden.

"(I) really feel like, as an institution and as a university and as a president, Dr. Golden has done a wonderful job at enforcing free speech on this campus and I do not think that one decision that he made should take back all of the good things that he has done," Clopine says.

Incoming senior Amira Coleman also created a

in support of Dr. Golden.

She says the decision shows the voices of students were heard.

"I'm sad that a lot of time was wasted starring at a blank screen." Coleman says, "I'm very happy no action was taken against Dr. Golden because that was my first priority that we keep him on as president. I think it's good the Board of Regents emphasized that universities should be student-focused."

Students say Dr. Golden has placed a strong focus on students and listening to their concerns since assuming the role of President.

The WSU Student Government Association

addressed the meeting in a Facebook video.

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Students at Wichita State University rallied in front of Koch Arena on Wednesday calling for their president, Dr. Jay Golden, to remain in his position.

The move follows backlash the president received after

for a June 5 virtual graduation at WSU Tech.

, "many people were not happy with Dr. Golden’s decision, and multiple donors to the university are threatening to pull their funding because of it."

Koch Industries a major donor to the university released the following statement:

Still, several on-campus groups, including the WSU College Republicans and the Student Government Association, spoke out in favor of Dr. Golden and said he should not to be fired or resign.

"President Dr. Jay Golden of Wichita State University. Dr. Golden listened to the student voices’ and took action, which is one of the things that makes him a great university president," said the SGA in a tweet.

"President Jay Golden has supported, uplifted and strengthened the student body at this University, including the conservative members," said the GOP-led group in a statement posted to Twitter.

The Kansas Board of Regents is expected to meet Wednesday afternoon to discuss Golden's future at the university, according to the online petition.