CLOSED PURSE STRINGS?

Some Donors Ready to Bail on Wichita State for Canceling Ivanka Speech: Report

The deep-pocketed backers who are upset include Koch Industries.

Wichita State University’s decision to cancel a speech by Ivanka Trump has angered some of its biggest donors, The Wichita Eagle reports. Faculty, students, and alumni blasted the decision to have the first daughter speak at commencement—and President Jay Golden rescinded the invitation. Now a former member of the Kansas Board of Regents says some backers are re-evaluating their largesse and the only thing that will change their mind is a pink slip for Golden. Koch Industries, which has pledged millions, disputed the assertion that funding would be tied to Golden’s employment. But Koch’s chief financial officer told the Eagle the Ivanka flap could affect whether he joins the WSU Foundation. “I believe WSU handled this situation incorrectly and the administration could have handled it very differently,” he said. “This will weigh heavily on my ultimate decision.”

UPDATE, 6/10/2020, 11:37PM ET: Koch Industries says its donations to WSU will not be affected by Golden’s employment.