Eugene (KMTR) - Since the announcement last week that University of Oregon president Richard Lariviere's contract would not be renewed, support on his behalf has grown quickly. Those who couldn't make it to the Board of Higher Education meeting in Portland Monday gathered on the university campus. Many wore Lariviere's signature fedora hat, and t-shirts reading "We love our prez."
Many demonstrators disagree with the board's decision to let Lariviere go, but some say they no matter what happens to his contract, they're working to finish what he started at the university. Demonstrators left the Johnson Hall steps pretty quickly, eager to catch the live stream online of the board's meeting. The board heard testimony from several UO faculty members and students on Lariviere's behalf. Demonstrators today said they would wait to hear the board's decision before making any future plans. They already have about 2,000 members on Facebook.
