Letter from the University of Rhode Island AAUP Chapter to President Schrader

January 24, 2019

Cheryl Schrader, President

Wright State University

3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy.

Dayton, OH 45435

Dear Dr. Schrader,

The University of Rhode Island Chapter of the American Association of University Professors condemns the unilateral imposition of a contract on the faculty represented by AAUP-WSU. We believe the ongoing faculty strike is justified and we stand in solidarity with AAUP-WSU. We urge you and the Board of Trustees to bargain in good faith, use fair and reliable information, and reach a collective bargaining agreement that respects the faculty at Wright State.

Attempting to shift responsibility for financial mismanagement from the administration onto the shoulders of faculty is irresponsible and shortsighted. Claiming low institutional financial ratios is deceitful. It is clear that some of the financial mismanagement predates your appointment. It is incumbent on you, as the President, to exert leadership. Press the Board to be honest about the squandering of reserves, the abuse of foreign-born workers, and misguided investments in off­ campus properties. The Wright State financial crisis is not a result of faculty salary and benefits, nor should the faculty bear the burden of remedying the problem.

We strongly urge the Wright State University administration to refrain from draconian impositions, negotiate in good faith, and reach a fair deal with AAUP-WSU.

On behalf of the URl /AAUP Executive Committee,

Jay Walsh, Ph.D.

Executive Director