Update: A previous version of “Canceled Appointments” stated the University Alumni Association was developing a wiki in collaboration with the UVa Alumni for Responsible Corporate Governance. This is not the case. The Alumni Association is developing a wiki, the “Alumni Forum,” for all alumni to discuss topics of interest to them, and not for any cause in particular.
The calendar says October, but it feels like June. Protests and demands were aired on Grounds last week in a public exhibition of dissatisfaction toward the Board of Visitors not seen since the body reinstated University President Teresa Sullivan this summer. In that June 26 meeting the Board passed a unanimous resolution to reinstate Sullivan; there was also another, lesser known resolution passed expressing full confidence in Rector Helen Dragas. It was this latter resolution that spurred 14 alumni to begin an attempt to oust the rector, but by legitimate means, citing specific infractions and working with the state legislature. This group, the UVa Alumni for Responsible Corporate Governance, serves as a template for effective political action for all of us still concerned about the University’s past and future.
In August, this cohort of alumni sent an eight-page open letter to the Board that detailed ways in which the Board has mishandled its responsibilities to govern. The alumni group also adduced the Board’s internal lapses — as well as its more public reticence to communicate openly — in a legislative briefing penned Sept. 4 and distributed to the General Assembly.
Although the UVa Alumni for Responsible Corporate Governance would like to see an eventual retooling of the Board selection process, the group has a more immediate goal: that the General Assembly deny Dragas’ reappointment in January. Virginia Code stipulates the General Assembly must approve all Gov. Bob McDonnell’s Board appointments, and these alumni have thus wisely begun to lobby state legislators. Besides distributing its legislative briefing, the UVa Alumni for Responsible Corporate Governance was also present at a town hall last Thursday hosted by lawmakers at the Law School. As numerous University organizations print demands and actuate protests, these alumni have provided a sole cause around which diverse parties can rally.
Richard Marks, organizer for the UVa Alumni for Responsible Corporate Governance, expressed why dismissing Dragas is such a priority. Part of the rationale is in principle. “The Board has to understand that it has lost moral authority,” he said. “It cannot regain it while Ms. Dragas remains on the Board.” Marks also highlighted the damage done to our University’s reputation, stating that having Dragas as rector continues to harm our image — and image is not superficial when it means attracting students and faculty. Marks sees the case to excise Dragas as a politically feasible and bipartisan effort, which will nevertheless prove difficult given that the General Assembly only meets briefly in January.
So far the response has been positive, Marks said. Not only have numerous alumni reached out, but also this core of 14 has been in contact with lawmakers, students and faculty, and looks to sustain momentum from now moving forward. With its singleness of mission, detailed compilation of grievances and committed drive to oust Dragas, this movement is clearly adept. Though many of us have felt general frustration, these alumni hope to transmute morals to policy. In doing so, they serve as an example for us students aspiring to self-governance; and, in this case, the denial of Dragas’ rectorship is a goal we can all get behind.
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