Less confidence, more votes rok-wrap the collage-vessel

Dear
Antioch University Board of Trustees, 
As villagers and recognized
stakeholders with an interest in the future of Antioch College, we are
both hopeful and concerned regarding the fast moving events of recent
days. We have been impressed by the hard work
of the Alumni Board, the College faculty, staff, students, and the many
in the Yellow Springs Community who have worked so hard to keep our
beloved Antioch College open.  Out of this crisis, together we are creating
a great opportunity.  

 
We are hopeful
because Antioch’s Development and Alumni Relations (per agreement with
the Alumni Board and the Antioch University Board of Trustees) is now
under the control of the Alumni Board. Important steps towards establishing
an independent governance structure for the College are being negotiated
as the necessary foundation to make significant fundraising possible.
The task before us is considerable.
Clearly, in order to accomplish
this daunting task, all of us will need to put our best efforts forward
and sustain those efforts over time. Much creative energy working in
concert will be needed; we cannot afford to be divided or divisive in
our actions.
Because such cooperation and
trust are needed, we are gravely concerned by the actions and mixed signals
from the University Chancellor Toni Murdock, which continue to undermine these
efforts and, in so doing, threaten the survival of the College.

Distrust was again fanned by
her actions taken August 31, when Steve Lawry, the College President, was
not only abruptly ousted from his position, but banned from the College
campus, and directed not to speak to faculty, staff or students. The
same day, without explanation, the Alumni and Development Office staff
were locked out of their emails, their office locks were changed, and
they were directed not to speak to Alumni.
When so much more than trust
is needed, these kinds of actions seriously jeopardize the hard work
before us. For this reason, we feel we must join with the Antioch College
faculty and their vote of no confidence in the University Chancellor,
Toni Murdock. We call upon the Antioch University Board of Trustees
to seriously consider their support of Ms. Murdock at this time. For
time is of the essence.
To succeed in our efforts to
save the College, we must all work together in good faith. Our opportunity
is now; this opportunity will not come again.
Tony Dallas
Donna M. Sanders
Don Benning

Dr. Don Wallace MD
Judith Wolert-Maldonado