Salem State Faculty Object To Trustees' Presidential Pick

SALEM, MA – After the Salem State University Board of Trustees nominated John Keenan to be the next university president in a 7-3 vote, some faculty members are voicing their concerns.

Professors have written letters to the Board of Higher Education and the Salem News, objecting not so much to Keenan himself, but his selection over finalist candidate Anny Morrobel Sosa. At least one trustee defended his decision, also in a letter to the Salem News.

"Among many other concerns, I am distressed at the message that this decision sends to our students of color, and students of color who may still be in high school or elementary school," wrote Aviva Chomsky, professor of history and coordinator of Latin American Studies in a letter to the Board of Higher Education shared with Patch. "What it shows is that at Salem State, being part of the 'old boys’ network' trumps experience and qualifications. For young people of color, the inevitable message will be: 'why bother getting an education? The white guys in charge will choose one of their own over you, no matter how well qualified you are.'"

Keenan – a former state rep and lifelong Salem resident – was up against Morrobel Sosa – former Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Herbert H. Lehman College, City University of New York (CUNY) – for the job of president following the resignation of Patricia Maguire Meservey.

"The Board had a difficult choice between two highly qualified candidates," said Board of Trustees Chair Paul Mattera in a statement. "Whenever a difficult decision is made, particularly one made in an open, public process, some people will be disappointed. The Board believes that the Salem State University community overwhelming supports its decision and looks forward to presenting John Keenan to the Board of Higher Education for approval."

Trustee Robert T. Lutts defended voting for Keenan in a letter to the Salem News, published Monday. He wrote that he felt Keenan was "clearly a far more qualified candidate."

"In today's climate of political correctness is it possible to select a while male candidate as the most effective leader and not be criticized for not being inclusive?" he wrote. "I believe our board carefully evaluated all qualifications without regard to race or sex."

Keenan's selection is subject to approval by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.

Images via SSU