In the last couple of weeks the community called itself into action

Update on Community Actions and Events

                    I apologize for not getting the word out fast enough about the recent events happening on the Goddard campus that were sparked by Peter Burns' resignation from his post as Director of Admissions. It is my understanding that lead faculty are crafting a report that they are going to send out to students that will talk about some of the concrete resolutions to the budget and other stuff, along with their perspective about what's been happening. Faculty and staff have been engaged in several planning meetings over the past several days so look for news from them soon.

                    The following is my account of what I currently know. Peter Burns officially resigned on Thursday 4/11. He cites Greene as the sole cause of his resignation. Peter protests Greene's use of fear and intimidation in the workplace to stomp out anything that is considered

ALSO INSIDE: FACULTY VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE, PETERS' RESIGNATION LETTER, AND MUCH MORE...

alternative to what he wants. This has created unbearable working conditions. "He [Greene] has publicly chastised colleagues, misrepresented facts, and has the propensity to bend the truth." (the full letter is on page three) In light of this, the campus called itself into action. Approximately 40 students gathered the night before Peter officially resigned to determine what they wanted to do about this recent development. After much discussion about the various issues, ranging from potential layoffs this summer to the budget and Peter's resignation, it was determined by consensus (I believe) that Dick Greene had to go. On the next day, Thursday 4/11, there was much activity and discussion. Signs which had been painted the night before were taped up on the community center's walls. The administrative wing hallway was covered with an intricate string webbing that symbolically blocked traffic. A couple of students did a performance art piece by suspending a door in the mailroom. On one side of the door the students tacked up index cards and on each card was written the community's message to Greene - "please listen, please listen". The other side of the door was covered with the words "you're fired, you're fired, you're fired" - expressing how the president's attitude is perceived by the Goddard community. A group of students along with faculty and staff circled the cottage where Greene was meeting with the management team. They held hands in silence outside the cottage. In addition, there was a community meeting which included staff, on and off-campus faculty and students as well as alumni. After much discussion and clarification of information (e.g.. a local paper, the "Times Argus", ran an article about the student protests concerning potential faculty layoffs) a motion was made to vote on the [ next ]