March 19, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Kathryn Morton, or 717-236-7486 Ext. 3007
During a Senate budget-appropriations hearing March 18, Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education Chancellor Daniel Greenstein said, “Unless we figure this out, I will be recommending to the board that we come back to the Senate next year with a legislative package to dissolve the System.” In response, the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties has released the following statement from its president, Dr. Jamie Martin:
“Words matter, and the chancellor’s words about dissolving the State System were reckless and irresponsible. Despite the chancellor’s later insistence that he was not making a threat, we are incredulous that he would bring up such a radical, explosive possibility — and I am certain that many of our members perceived it as a threat. The chancellor should be a leader and advocate for higher education in Pennsylvania, but his suggestion only creates fear, uncertainty and mistrust for students, their families, faculty, coaches, staff and Pennsylvania residents. His detrimental testimony crossed a line, and we are shocked, appalled and outraged.
“Today I met with the 14 APSCUF chapter presidents, and I will be calling an emergency meeting of APSCUF’s executive council early next week to discuss the situation. Action must be taken.”
View the chancellor’s comments just after the 52-minute mark (52:23).
APSCUF represents about 5,000 faculty and coaches at the State System universities: Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock, and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania.