There are two questions here.
What are the underlying issues; is the push coming from the left or right, or is some other issue involved?
Secondly, why now? Has there been a recent shift in the membership of the Board of Regents?
It may come down to - is Jay old & white? That answer is yes.
Considering how leftist universities have become, likely he held some position to the right of Stalin on an issue and the left, in their love is love and hate has no home here, loving way, is calling for his blood and destroying his life.
Not being a resident of that state, nevertheless I am curious about the real reasons behind the proposed firing. I never heard any of the reasons behind this & what group is behind it. That much should tell at least part of the story.