Indiana University’s Board of Trustees will commission an independent review of campus climate.
The statement from the Trustees was posted on its website Wednesday, and it comes as President Pamela Whitten attends listening sessions with faculty.
Read more: At listening sessions with President, faculty say they’re fed up
“The Board of Trustees is grateful to IU faculty, staff, and other constituents who have shared their concerns with us. We want to state clearly that we are listening closely, are attentive to the issues that have been raised and are deeply committed to addressing them in a proactive and effective manner. Our direct conversations with President Whitten and her leadership team make it clear that they, too, understand the challenges and are also committed to paving a productive path forward. The Board of Trustees will provide all resources necessary to address these issues in a transparent and accountable fashion. We have asked for and President Whitten has agreed to commission an independent review of the campus climate to better inform the path forward. With strong leadership, President Whitten has guided our university to many positive accomplishments under adverse conditions and continues to enjoy our support. We are confident she can and will rise to this challenge.”
Faculty in about half of IU Bloomington academic units voted against Whitten and her administration.
In these votes, some schools called for Whitten, Provost Rahul Shrivastav, and Vice Provost Carrier Docherty’s resignation — echoing faculty’s decision to declare no confidence in the three leaders in April.
Faculty continue to cite concerns over a lack of shared governance. They have raised new concerns after 57 pro-Palestine protesters were arrested in Dunn Meadow. Faculty have condemned Whitten’s decision to call Indiana State Police to the protests and an ad hoc committee’s last-minute decision to change protest policy.
Read more: Hundreds gather to demand Whitten, Shrivastav, Docherty resignations
An IU spokesperson did not respond at the time of publication.
Aubrey is our higher education reporter and a Report For America corps member. Contact her at aubmwrig@iu.edu or follow her on X @aubreymwright .
