APSCUF leader issues statement about Commonwealth University president

Nov. 21, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Kathryn Morton,

or 717-236-7486, Ext. 3007

Dr. Kenneth M. Mash, president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, has released the following statement:

"The president at Commonwealth University has to either step aside - or he has to be fired. Enough is enough. For some time, the fledgling consolidated university has had budget woes, declining enrollment, hiring issues, major technical failures, various leadership crises, and sinking morale. And while those are issues that would lead a rational person to wonder why he is still president, after a jury found him liable for wrongful termination, there are no more excuses.

"It is indefensible for those who have power to not take action. That case was about the wrongful termination of a dean who was a mandatory reporter for potential instances of sexual harassment under Title IX. After a university employee alleged that she was harassed, the dean helped report President Bashar Hanna. And Hanna fired the dean.

"I cannot find anyone who can explain to me how it makes sense that someone who has been liable for wrongful termination of a mandated reporter could remain the university's final arbiter in sexual-harassment cases and other disciplinary cases. How does anyone expect students, faculty, and staff to feel comfortable at that university? It is farcical.

"The faculty, coaches, staff, and students at the university have been exceedingly patient while they wait for those with authority to do what is in the best interest of the university and its students. In fact, I believe they may have been too patient. The APSCUF chapter presidents have met with the previous chancellor and the chair of the Board of Governors of the State System, and they have met with the Commonwealth University trustees.

"Our students deserve better. My colleagues deserve better. The staff deserves better than this. When will someone step up and act in their interest?

"The Board of Governors of the State System, the interim chancellor, and the Commonwealth trustees need to finally do the right thing - and do so immediately. If not, State APSCUF will support faculty votes of no confidence in the Commonwealth president as a starting point. Somebody just needs to do the right thing."

APSCUF represents about 5,000 faculty and coaches at the State System campuses: Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock, and West Chester.

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