An executive order to force the realignment of the state’s universities is precluded by state statute, according to legal expert Ronald T. Chen.
An exemption known as 18A:3B-36 requires “specific enabling legislation” for the reorganization of state institutions of higher education any time after July 1, 1994.
It throws a monkey wrench into potential plans by Gov. Chris Christie to sign an executive order forcing a series of changes he endorses.
“My take is the governor cannot do this under the reorganization act,” said Chen, noting that Christie is still free to seek legislative approval for plans to fold the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, including the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford into Rutgers University, and merging Rutgers-Camden with Rowan University under the Rowan banner.
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