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December 7, 2004
Board chief, faculty butt heads over
R-e-s-p-e-c-t
Luisa Pawlak
Mesa Legend
The Maricopa District Faculty Executive Council (FEC) took a unanimous vote of no confidence in Governing Board President Linda Rosenthal on Oct. 26.
“This was not a decision that was taken lightly by the FEC. There were a couple hours of discussion before the vote was taken,” said faculty member Lyn Dutson.
The vote was precipitated by Rosenthal’s actions at the Oct. 12 Strategic Conversation, which according to Dutson, exhibited a “basic lack of respect” for faculty advice concerning the timing of the Strategic Conversation on Academic Freedom.
“She (Rosenthal) did not like the method with which the faculty presented the Strategic Conversation. She says what she believes, but she isn’t the most tactful person, which is perceived as lack of respect for the faculty,” Dutson stated.
The apparent indifference to faculty concerns has wavered the faculty’s confidence in Rosenthal’s leadership.
MCCCD Faculty Association President, Sandra Stuebner, addressed a formal letter to the Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board declaring that, “Over the years, President Rosenthal’s abrasive attitude and consistent dismissal of faculty concerns about shared governance leads the faculty to question whether her intention is to use confrontation and intimidation as the hallmark of her leadership.”
As Stuebner pointed out, “When a governing board member acts in a manner that dismisses academic freedom, undermines collegial governance, takes other actions that are contrary to interests of academic staff, or compromises the quality and integrity of post-secondary education, the Faculty Association will do everything in its power to remedy the situation.”
Rosenthal denied the allegations, stating that, “I was quite surprised by the FEC action as I believed my suggestions for a different format for the Strategic Conversation was just that - a suggestion of a different way of structuring the evening. I was told the faculty did it “their way” and never mind any other ideas. I had suggested we meet face to face to review my suggestions and instead received their letter.”
Although the Strategic Conversation served as the catalyst for the formal statement, Faculty member Barry Vaughan mentioned that Rosenthal’s condescending manner has been an on-going issue, however, it hasn’t impeded her duties.
“She (Rosenthal) has been a tireless worker for this district. No one believes she is not dedicated. Where we disagree is how we work together. It’s not that Rosenthal is actively seeking to derail government, it’s a matter of attitude change,” Vaughan explained.
“We’re moving into a period of genuine shared governance and there must be a willingness to tolerate different points of view. If someone in a position of power does not demonstrate respect, it can stifle the move toward shared governance.”
Vaughan emphasized the formal statement is a political one; directed not only at Rosenthal, but Mesa in general.
“The faculty believes we’re making great progress,” Vaughan said, noting that “respect even when we disagree” is the key to staying on track.
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