'An abuse of power': Athabasca University student, faculty groups slam sudden president firing
Associations representing students and faculty at Athabasca University condemned the replacement of the president who resisted the government's push to increase the number of school employees living in the northern Alberta community.
The Athabasca students' union and faculty association published statements labelling the sudden termination of President Peter Scott as "an abuse of power" by the province and a "political gain" for the United Conservative Party.
Last Wednesday, the university's board of governors — the top decision-making body at the post-secondary institution — announced that Alex Clark, the dean of health sciences, would immediately replace Scott.
The university said in a statement that the "important decision" came at a time "of growth and needed stability" as it focused on offering "open and flexible learning while also contributing to the local economy."
Made up of 19 people, including the chair and president, the board has 10 public members appointed by the province and three representatives selected by students — one graduate and two undergraduate students.
The Athabasca Students' Union says its student representatives were not consulted prior to the board's decision.
"The reason the Post-Secondary Learning Act puts students on the Board of Governors is so that students have a voice in major decisions of their university," said Karen Fletcher, AUSU president and university board member.
"The fact that students were deliberately excluded from the discussion and vote is an abuse of power," she added in a statement. "Going forward, that has to change.”
Dur-E-Najaf Syed, AUSU vice president and board of governors member, said the decision to fire a president without student representation set a "terrible precedent."
"As a member of the Board of Governors, I am offended and appalled to be informed of this decision only after the public members had already been consulted and allowed to vote," Syed said.
"This makes it clear that the student voice on the Board of Governors is seen as performative, and that my vote does not count. That is wrong."
- Get back to work: Alberta government threatens funding cuts to Athabasca University
- Athabasca University responds to UCP in fight over 'near-virtual' policy
Early last year, the provincial government threatened to withhold a monthly $3.4-million grant if the university didn't double the number of employees living in Athabasca.
Scott said at the time that demand would challenge staff retention and recruitment. The province then overhauled the membership of the board of governors.
An agreement was reached in December between the province and university stipulating the number of locally-based employees would increase from 252 to 277 within three years. Half of the university leadership would also be expected to be based in the northern Alberta community.
- 'People value the presence of the university': Athabasca region closely watching staffing location dispute
- Athabasca University president calls on-site staffing demand backward, ruinous
The association representing Athabasca faculty members said Scott's firing "without cause" was "government interference" and a waste of resources.
"The Board's actions demonstrate a flagrant abuse of the search process and a disregard for collegial governance," said Rhiannon Rutherford, Athabasca University Faculty Association president.
Rutherford called on Clark and the university's administration to be transparent and support "stability and employee well-being over unproductive disruption."
Advanced Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides told CTV News Edmonton that the province does not "directly intervene" in institutional decisions.
"It is my understanding that the Chair and Board are following their established bylaws in the best interest of Athabasca University," Nicolaides said in a statement.
"The university Board's bylaws indicate that if a member believes that there has been a breach of the rules that they should raise the matter with the Board Chair," he added.
"I'm confident if there are any issues that the Board can adequately resolve them."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.