You will recall that UC grad students are being asked to pony up a surcharge of $1750 to cover a $22.5 million revenue shortfall caused by the preliminary injunction in the Kashmiri contract dispute.

But today comes news that the Regents have settled a patent dispute with Monsanto that includes an immediate upfront payment of $100 million, plus an ongoing licensing fee.

I know there's no connection between the cases. But you might hope that the Regents, having leaned on the grad students in their time of a litigation-induced revenue shortfall, might choose to suspend the surcharge – even refund the portion collected this semester! – in light of this ligitation-induced revenue windfall. In the spirit of good sportsmanship, fair play, and all that. Plus, they'd still by up by $77.5 million, by my count.

I won't hold my breath.

28 Feb 06