Ward Connerly leaves the UC Board of Regents this year one of the most controversial figures in the University of California’s history — and rightfully so. Over his 12-year term, the regent, appointed by Gov. Pete Wilson, has established himself as an unlikely but unfaltering critic of affirmative action. His successful drives to end all semblance of racial preference and categorization have precluded anything but scorn from progressives.

Most unfortunate, however, was Connerly’s propensity to use the political prominence conferred by his position to promote his political agenda outside the university and even outside the state. Connerly’s extracurricular involvement in statewide anti-affirmative action campaigns like Propositions 209 and 54, as well as his continued lobbying for similar legislation in other states suggest an inappropriate political reading of his role as a member of the university’s governing body.

Connerly was not entirely the boogeyman his critics have made him out to be, as recent accounts by UC Students Association President Jennifer Lilla and Student Regent-designate Adam Rosenthal have indicated. But sadly, his reckless crusade against contemporary perceptions of race tarnishes an otherwise praiseworthy legacy marked by the regent’s endorsement of domestic partnership rights, support for outreach programs and opposition to student fee increases.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would be wise to consider the unfortunate ramifications of dragging politics into a public trust when selecting Connerly’s successor.