Referendum Issue #2:
Vote in favor of the future of Antioch College as an independent and self-governing institution, no longer under the auspices of Antioch University
Antioch College has maintained a proud tradition of educating progressive voices to counter oppression and to create just and sustainable communities for over 155 years. Antiochian leadership has benefited humanity in profound and transformative ways over the past century and a half, and the world needs Antioch now more than ever. Today Antioch College finds itself at the crossroads of its existence. The dedication and leadership shown by the Antioch College Alumni Association over the past few months is a testament to the possibility for institutional change. In order for the College to survive it must break free from University control.
Over the past several years, the University leadership and Board of Trustees have made decisions which have directly and indirectly damaged the College. Antioch University has removed financial decision-making authority from the College, and forced budget cuts which have reduced faculty, support staff, admissions, and development capabilities. The University imposed a “Renewal” curriculum on the College with minimal consultation with the Antioch College community, and then failed to financially support the drastic changes which it had mandated. The results of these poor business decisions have been exacerbated by the disconnected culture of secrecy under which the Board of Trustees and the University operate, culminating in the shocking decision to suspend Antioch College operations in June 2007.
We question the accuracy of the information used by the Board of Trustees to make its decision to suspend College operations in June, and we believe viable solutions to the College’s financial troubles exist. The Alumni Association and College Faculty are developing promising solutions. Options that were not on the table in June of 2007 now seem viable.
Today we, the students, professional educators, and staff members of the Antioch College community, call for our independence from the detrimental governance of Antioch University. We support the formation of an autonomous College Board of Trustees, no longer under the auspices of Antioch University. We intend to continue building a movement that will realize the full potential of our beloved institution.