The Larry Summersization of New School President/ex-Sen. Bob Kerrey has been interesting to watch from the outside. Kerrey was subject to a recent no confidence vote by the faculty and today, he began his quest to make amends, e-mailing students and starting a blog. The comments so far are rather negative.
Dear New School Students,
As you may know, last Wednesday, after the announcement of Joe Westphal's departure as provost, there was a faculty vote of "no confidence" in me. I, however, have confidence in them--and everyone who makes up the New School community.
I am meeting with the faculty this week to discuss all their concerns openly and directly. They were right to disagree with my decision to assume the responsibilities of chief academic officer during the search for a new provost. I have communicated this to the deans and asked them to set up a process to select an interim provost as soon as possible.
We are committed to finding the best provost for our university, one who will continue to strengthen the academic stature of the university. The deans and officers will work with me to set up a search process that includes the academic leadership, the faculty, and students.
I believe that the university is the best it has ever been. We are--and always have been--a diverse international community united by a commitment to intellectual inquiry. As students, you are and will continue to be our first priority.
I understand that the University Student Senate is holding an open forum on Thursday evening to discuss these recent events. I encourage you to attend and present your views to those who represent you and your concerns. I plan to meet with the leaders of the Student Senate in early January so that they can share the issues raised in the forum with me.
Bob Kerrey
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