YSU union condemns trustees presidential search process
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Youngstown State University trustees are offering the job of university president to Republican Congressman Bill Johnson. Very little is known about the process that led up to decision.
YSU union members are condemning the trustees lack of accountability in offering Congressman Bill Johnson the job of university president.
Faculty and students are questioning why the process played out so quickly.
YSU-OEA union members say their issue is not necessarily with the potential selection of Johnson for university president. But rather, what they say, was the rushed process that the university used, to select him.
Unlike previous presidential searches, where candidates were vetted publicly with input from faculty, community members and students, Johnson was offered the job at an emergency meeting called with two hours notice and with no public agenda posted on the university's web site.
Union members are hoping trustees will allow their voices to be heard, in the search for their next president.
"We hope that the board of trustees reconsider and be willing to redo this process in a more standard way. The way that it has been done previously and the way that all universities do it by allowing the candidates to meet with the campus community before they are selected," Aj Sumell, YSU-OEA chief negotiator, told 21 News.
For at least the last four presidents, a search was narrowed to three finalists, who were brought to campus to meet with stakeholders in person and hold public forums.
This time, trustees conducted a series of closed-door, executive session meetings before voting 8-1 in favor of Johnson and refusing to name the other finalists for the position.
Union members are also questioning the rush behind this vote, pointing out that interim President Helen Lafferty, has agreed to remain in her role for nearly another year before a decision would need to be made.
21 News reached out to every YSU trustee, but they either didn't return calls or said they could not comment on the process.
A student led petition declaring 'Bill Johnson Is Wrong For YSU' has already gathered hundreds of signatures, calling Johnson an extremist for his positions opposing abortion and gay rights and denying the results of the 2020 election.
We asked Johnson if he plans on meeting with YSU faculty or students to address their concerns, but his office declined an interview and said they don't have any other comment at this time.
