City Colleges of Chicago Faculty Call for a “Vote of No Confidence” for Olive-Harvey President for Lack of Credentials
City Colleges of Chicago Faculty Criticize Chancellor Suspension of Presidential Job Search; Call for “Vote of No Confidence” for Olive-Harvey President for lack of credentials
CHICAGO, IL – Chancellor Juan Salgado suspended a presidential search for Olive-Harvey College. He took this drastic measure when he realized that the search committee was not going to move forward the application of the Interim President, Felicia Davis, who has strong ties to Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The search committee based their decision on Davis’ poor leadership and lack of academic credentials. On Thursday, during the City Colleges of Chicago Board Meeting, faculty will speak out for continuation of the search process and call for a “No Confidence Vote” against Felicia Davis.
“The Chancellor’s decision to suspend the presidential job search is a slap in the face to City College faculty and staff,” said Tony Johnston, President of Cook County College Teachers Union, Local 1600. “This administration has stated that they respect shared governance in higher education, where faculty and staff’s academic expertise are consulted and respected, such as in the search and selection of administration. The suspension of the search refutes that completely and points to the administration valuing political concerns over student success at our City Colleges”.
Davis is the former deputy chief of staff for Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In press releases put out by City Colleges announcing her appointment as interim president, it was stated that David held a masters in public policy from Illinois Institute of Technology. However, the search committee uncovered the truth – she is working on her masters but does not yet hold the degree. She is not qualified to be president of Olive-Harvey College.
The City Colleges of Chicago is the largest community college system in Illinois and one of the largest in the nation, with 5,700 faculty and staff serving almost 100,000 students annually. These colleges provide Chicago’s neighborhoods with vital access to quality higher education. Olive-Harvey serves a population of African-American and Latino students. The college’s enrollment has plummeted in recent years due to the decline in those populations from disinvestment in public education and services on the southside of Chicago.
What: Speeches during CCC Board Meeting
Where: City Colleges District Office
Room 300
226 W. Jackson
Chicago, IL
When: Thursday, May 3
9 AM
Who: Cook County College Teachers Union – Local 1600
