6/17/1969, Burlington Free Press

SEELEY AMONG 5 ASKED TO LEAVE STUDY CENTER

Dr. John Seeley, who has been offered the presidency of Goddard College, Plainfield, has been asked to resign from the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions in Santa Barbara, Calif.

The center announced Friday it has asked for the resignation of five of its most prominent fellows, including James A. Pike, the former controversial Episcopal bishop, and Seeley.

Seeley, chosen out of a field of eight, was preferred as president to succeed Dr. Royce S. Pitkin by a student-faculty nominating committee.

A member of the nominating committee said the Board of Trustees will begin negotiations with Seeley within 10 days.

Frank Kelly, vice president of the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions, said the institution was undergoing a reevaluation of its organization and orientation, and some programs were being dropped or revised.

This has caused personnel changes which, he said, do not reflect on the staff members who are being dropped.