Regent rescinds intern request

Jennifer Knight

Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2001 | 9:17 a.m.

Regent Linda Howard has pulled her name from consideration for a paid internship at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, despite a state Ethics Commission ruling that it was OK for her to pursue the job.

Howard, a UNLV student and regent of the University and Community College System of Nevada, expressed an interest in an internship with the Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach. The $14,000-a-year part-time position would have allowed Howard to work with fellow minorities to give them access to the university system.

Before applying for the job, Howard sought an opinion from the state Ethics Commission, which voted 3-2 on Oct. 11 to allow her to pursue the job.

However, Howard said in a letter to the center that pressure from the media and the potential appearance of impropriety led her to withdraw her name.

"My deepest apology for the negative publicity this may have caused," Howard said in the letter rescinding her application. "After taking a long and hard look at what type of impression this would leave in the public's mind and the appearance it may have, I have decided to withdraw my application ..."

Howard originally argued that her application was justified, citing Regent Howard Rosenberg's position as a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno.

"Smart move," Rosenberg said of Howard's decision to bow out. "She feels our situations are the same. I don't."

Rosenberg has said that voters knew going in that he was a professor.

Howard has said that one of her goals as a regent is to help minorities gain access to education. She has proposed an outreach program to attract minorities in North Las Vegas to the university system.

Rosenberg said that regents are still in discussion about that program.

"I don't think what she's trying to do is get herself a job," Rosenberg said. "What she is trying to do is help provide this service. She wants desperately to help these kids."