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N.D. (AP) – A state lawmaker says North Dakota University System Chancellor Ham Shirvani has told some legislators that five of the 11 public college presidents in the state are unqualified or insubordinate and likely will be relieved of duty. Shirvani tells The Forum newspaper that he never made the statement.

Bismarck Rep. Bob Martinson says the alleged comment is an example of Shirvani’s overbearing style of leadership that has rankled some state lawmakers.

Fargo Sen. Tony Grindberg says he plans to introduce an amendment to the higher education budget bill that would provide funding for the state Board of Higher Education to buy out Shirvani’s contract. Board President Duaine Espegard says the board supports Shirvani. Shirvani says he is “under absolute microscopic examination.”