As Emporia State University continues its reinvestment announcements after beginning that process over a month ago, the American Association of University Professors is finalizing the framework for what could be a months-long investigation into the staff cuts that began the process.
AAUP authorized the investigation last week after what it called the “extraordinary summary dismissal” of 33 faculty and staff, with most of the faculty listed as tenured. AAUP says there was no “meaningful” participation from faculty before the plan was announced and ultimately approved by the Kansas Board of Regents. Michael DiCesare, AAUP’s Senior Program Officer for the Department of Academic Freedom, Tenure and Governance, tells KVOE News several ESU professors reached out asking for advice and assistance. AAUP had initially asked for the dismissals to be reversed and then launched an investigation when it became clear ESU would not change its decision.
DiCesare committee members will interview the “principal” parties, including faculty members. Invitations will be extended to ESU President Ken Hush and Regents Chair Jon Rolph. DiCesare says the investigation will not be affected if different people decided not to participate. DiCesare also says AAUP welcomes a resolution which would satisfy its concerns and thus end the investigation.
The ESU investigation is one of three currently active, one at Cowan College in Texas and the other at Indiana-Northwest. Formal censure would be the most extreme step AAUP could take.
ESU has challenged the allegations, saying its situation will bolster the actions as taken by the university and approved by the Regents.
