April 30 — The Haskell Faculty Senate passed a second unanimous “vote of no confidence” resolution, this time declaring no confidence in Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) Melanie Daniel. The resolution (No. 2021-02) echos many of the same concerns expressed in the previous no-confidence declaration in Univesity President Ronald Graham.
Faculty showed concerns that Daniel has removed faculty from decision-making processes, failed to formally engage with faculty senate, failed to provide basic communication, and has limited academic freedom and free speech through a now rescinded mandate.
University accreditation is also a concern, the resolution stating, “The participation in the Higher Learning Commission’s requirement of shared governance within colleges and universities is thereby compromised.” A spokesperson from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) commented, “HLC is in regular communication with Haskell and continues to be updated on campus and governance issues.”
The resolution has been sent to Tony Dearman, Director of the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). Dearman had sent investigators to the university following the previous no-confidence vote. Results from the investigation have not yet been released. Daniel, as the VPAA, would be a candidate for interim president should any action be taken.
