THE FOLLOWING IS A NEWS-GAZETTE STORY BY JENNIFER BAILEY
DANVILLE — The Danville Area Community College Faculty Association union issued a statement Tuesday in light of a dispute between Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. and DACC President Stephen Nacco.
A disagreement on whether to welcome undocumented immigrants to the area resulted in Williams submitting an open letter to the DACC Board of Trustees last week regarding “aggressive” exchanges with Nacco. The college has launched an investigation.
The union’s statement, from President Kathy Hunter and Vice President Marla Jarmer, said it “wishes to make a clear and unequivocal statement regarding our stance on the matter.”
It said the uinon “does not condone any form of racial slurs, attacks or discriminatory behavior. We stand in solidarity with all members of our community who may be affected by such actions, and we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the values that guide our institution.”
“As educators and leaders in the community, we hold ourselves and our colleagues to the highest standards of respect, integrity and inclusivity. The language and actions described in the recent allegations are in direct conflict with the core values that Danville Area Community College upholds, particularly our commitment to ‘providing a safe and secure learning environment for the personal and intellectual growth of those we serve’ as well as ‘promoting and upholding our vision that all are treated with equality, fairness, dignity and respect,” the statement said.
It added that as the investigation continues, “we urge transparency, accountability and a commitment to justice. The faculty union will continue to advocate for a campus environment that reflects the best of our shared values and ensures a safe, supportive and inclusive experience for all.”
The statement said further comments will be withheld until trustees finish their investigation.
“We appreciate the ongoing support of our students, faculty, staff and the community as we navigate this difficult time,” the statement said.
FOR COMPLETE ACCESS TO NEWS-GAZETTE STORY PLEASE GO TO https://www.news-gazette.com/news/dacc-faculty-union-responds-to-williams-nacco-dispute/article_7433b8a0-649f-11ef-98d3-8bce42fd4fed.html
