Professors feared influence of RIM-founder’s think tank
York University has pulled out of plans to create a program in international law that many professors had opposed because they believed the funding came with too many strings attached, reports the National Post. The Waterloo-based Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), a think tank started by Research In Motion founder Jim Balsillie, would have donated $30 million to create 10 research chairs and fund 20 PhD students. Ontario would have given $30 million too. But the original agreement meant York faced censure by the Canadian Association of University Teachers which accused York of giving CIGI veto powers over the research areas of program chairs and hiring shortlists. Although the final draft agreement said GIGI would have no role in hiring, it was rejected by Osgoode Hall law school anyway. Without Osgoode’s support, York officials said they would not proceed. CIGI says it remains committed to this type of research.