We are gravely concerned about the trustees’ reported intention to oust President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. Despite the institutional trauma Michigan State University has endured in recent years, the Board of Trustees is apparently debating—behind closed doors—forcing out a third president in less than four years. They should know better.

Extraordinary actions require extraordinary justifications. Given our special role in achieving the mission of our university, MSU faculty deserve and demand the transparency the Board of Trustees claims to value.

Less than a year ago, Board Chairperson Dianne Byrum announced the results of President Stanley’s performance review, saying that the trustees were “grateful to have Sam Stanley leading this institution” and deeming his conduct worthy of a nearly $1 million salary. If the trustees’ view of the president has shifted so drastically since, we should know why.

As the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Faculty Senate and the Steering Committee, we commit to pursuing the truth through all available channels, and we insist that the Board of Trustees communicate with faculty leadership in a deliberative and substantive way before any decisions are made.

Karen Kelly-Blake, Ph.D.

Chairperson, MSU Faculty Senate and Steering Committee

Stephanie Anthony, Ed.D.

Vice Chairperson, MSU Faculty Senate and Steering Committee