By Tom Ackerman
Attempts to further question University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld in his role have taken new aim, with resistors looking to develop a longer-term strategy.
Iowans Defending Our Universities, a group dedicated to seeing change in the recent presidency and to protect core values of the UI, is laying out measures to ensure forward momentum as students prepare to leave campus for the holidays. The group met in the EPB on Monday night.
“The longer goals have not changed from the onset,” said Glenn Penny, a professor of history. “That is to put education front and center, not preparing students vocationally for jobs but preparing students for life.”
About 15 supporters attended the meeting, which consisted of faculty and students who share concerns about the university and its future. The overall group consists of about 400 people, organizers said, though sub groups meet in order to make more effective use of time.
“We’ve taught here a long time and care about [the university],” said English Professor Judith Pascoe. “What’s been going on is undermining our core values and mission.”
While the group would not disclose specific details to the press of what strategies it will pursue in the coming months, the idea of spreading information and a care for the UI’s struggles have been expressed. Members raised issue with the political nature of the presidency and said a push would be made to draw support from outside of Iowa City, where more of the state is conservative.
Issues addressed by the group include Harreld’s academic experience, suspicions of special accommodations in the hiring process, and Harreld’s lack in public appearances to speak with those frustrated and looking for answers.
“We are worried about our educational mission and what students are taking away to enrich their lives,” said Kim Marra, a professor of theater and American studies. “It’s a constant task.”
Penny said student involvement could be improved, adding that he does not mention his affiliations with his students unless they ask.
“A lot of them ask very straightforward questions. In general, I would say the students who take the time to find out what’s going on are pretty upset,” he said.
Penny also said everyone should care because public schools and the state Board of Regents has a large effect on Iowa students, as well as those living in the state with children.
“[Public schools] are like swimming pools,” he said. “We have them so everyone can go swimming and keep them clean and efficient.”
For the group, a sense of determination lies to keep shared governance and the importance of a strong liberal arts school alive. Organizers and members placed an emphasis and appreciation for Marilynne Robinson’s words, an award-winning writer and UI professor who spoke at the Englert Theater on Dec. 9.
“We have a great educational system that is — it’s really a triumph of the civilization,” Robinson said. “I don‘t think there’s anything comparable in history. And it has no defenders.”
