AFT: Green River College President’s Resignation Victory for Faculty, Staff, Students, Community

WASHINGTON—Statement by American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on resignation of Green River College President Eileen Ely:

“With virtually no support remaining for her agenda that manufactured a budget crisis to cut 11 academic programs and lay off faculty, Green River College President Eileen Ely did the right thing by resigning. Faculty, staff, students and the community urged her resignation after the college repeatedly failed to consult with faculty on these and other decisions—as  the union’s contract requires—and then retaliated against the union for filing unfair labor practice charges.

“We see the consequences of poor, autocratic decisions that are made in a vacuum, such as massive faculty turnover, loss of course offerings that students want and need, and a disintegration of morale. We hope this sad episode leads to a more open college environment in which faculty and community voice is encouraged and respected.”