President’s Conference Room, 2:00 PM, Madison Hall & Zoom
Senators Present: Alan Beckenstein, Aaron Bloomfield, Lisa Colosi Peterson, Juliet Hatchett, Tish Jennings, Michael Kennedy, Michelle Kisliuk, Jim Lambert, Andrew Pennock, Brian Pusser, Eric Ramirez-Weaver, Sue Saliba, Patrik Sandas, Jeri Seidman, Brian Wright, Kim Acquaviva,
Ex-Officio & Guests Present: Amanda Flora, Maite Brandt-Pearce, Melissa Riley, Wynne Stuart, James Savage, Kelly Moore, Walt Heinecke, Tess Farmer, Adam Richard, 757-617-2172
The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM.
Review and Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve EXCO minutes April 12, 2024: Brian Pusser
Second: Michaell Kisliuk
Motion Passes.
Old Business
DEI Committee – Eric Ramirez Weaver
After hearing from the AAUP, the DEI committee met and drafted the DEI Committee Resolution of Solidarity
Rationale:
Whereas Section 3.1 of the University of Virginia Faculty Handbook affirms the importance of academic freedom to the proper functioning of the university, citing the American Association of University Professors’ 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure, wherein, “Teachers are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results,” “Teachers are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject,” and “Controversy is at the heart of the free academic inquiry;”
Whereas the Faculty Senate affirmed in April 2022 the University of Virginia Board of Visitors’ UVA Statement on Free Expression and Free Inquiry, adopted in June 2021, including there principles: “The University must not stifle protected expression, permit others to obstruct or shut down such expression, or regulate the tone or content of responses that stop short of interfering with others’ speech or violating the law;”
Whereas faculty, students, and members of the university community have reported threats to their academic freedom and personal safety after expressing themselves, in full compliance with the principles outlined above, on recent matters pertaining to the ongoing suffering and horrific loss of Israeli and Palestinian livers related to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and Israel’s military offensive into Gaza;
Whereas harassment of members of the University community, whether online or by any other method, and the dissemination of personal information through any method, violate the principles of the UVA Statement on Free Expression and Free Inquiry cited above; and
Whereas the lack of clear and specific information about incidents that challenge freedom of speech, professional autonomy, and the right to safety and thereby to a stifling of free expression within the University community;
Therefore, be it resolved that the Senate affirms the faculty’s role as professional scholars and educators to increase understanding of the ongoing complexities of current and historical subjects-including the tragedy and conflicts involving the Israeli and Palestinian peoples-while encouraging a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community at the University; our role is not to flatten these subjects into binary and polarizing oppositions even when they almost invariably raise ideas and positions that are objectionable to some if not many;
Be it further resolved that the Senate calls on all University leaders publicly to reassert their support of academic freedom and their condemnation of all harassment that aims to stifle academic freedom, knowing that such statements carry protective force and help to alleviate the chilling effect created both by actual harassment and by the fear of harassment;
Be it further resolved that the Senate calls on the University’s administrative leadership to adhere to the 2021 Statement cited above and actively counter any attempt at stifling or distorting protected expression, to publish clear and specific information about University efforts to protect academic freedom and to further develop and supply information about all resources available to support faculty who experience any incidents and activities-on Grounds, in classrooms, online, and in other venues-that impinge on academic freedom and the rights of faculty under that freedom;
Be it further resolved that a flourishing democracy in the 21st century demands university faculty exercise their academic freedom as scholars and teachers, both in their classrooms and in the public sphere, where they may openly debate, challenge, and speak freely about contentious issues; and that unrestricted academic freedom must remain the cornerstone of a 21st-centruy university fully invested in the work of fostering democratic engagement.
Discussion among EXCO members, Senators, and attendees.
Jeri Seidman made a motion to move forward to the full senate Jeri Seidman moved, Tish Jennings seconded.
Yes: 14
No: 0
Abstain: 0
Motion passes.
Provost Policy 004
Brian Pusser moved to remove (lift from the table) the motion that was tabled at April’s senate meeting and put it on May’s agenda. Michelle Kisliuk seconded.
Yes: 14
No: 0
Abstain: 0
Motion passes
New Business
Adam Richards, co-chair of the UVA Staff Senate, gave a presentation on their history, work and accomplishments, and future collaborations with the faculty senate.
Provost Baucom’s Remarks to Faculty Senate May 10 Full Senate Meeting – Michael Kennedy
Discussed logistics for Provost Baucom’s visit to answer questions previously provided to him.
EXCO discussed agenda for May 10 meeting.
Colonnade Club – Jeri Seidman asked Michael to distribute flyer regarding a pop-up from 11:00 – 2:00.
Full Senate meeting in Room 120 of Darden on Friday, May 10 at 2:00.
Motion to Adjourn: Aaron Bloomfield
Second: Tish Jennings
Motion Passes.
Meeting Adjourned: 4:01 PM