From: Fa <fa-bounces@lists.hvcc.edu>; On Behalf Of Robert A Whitaker
Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2024 4:23 PM
To: fa <fa@hvcc.edu>;
Subject: [Fa] update from the Faculty Association
Dear Members:
As you may be aware, the President of the College has been placed on administrative leave, and the Board of Trustees has apppointed Louis Coplin as Officer-in-Charge of the campus. We are grateful that Louis has agreed to accept this role following his recent retirement, and we welcome him back to campus.
Also, in response to requests for comment we have received from the news media about the Board’s decision to place the President on leave, we’ve released the following statement: “We support the Board of Trustees’ decision to place President Ramsammy on administrative leave while he is investigated for claims of sexual harassment. However, we are concerned that the Board did not place the President on leave at the same time as the employee who filed the complaint against him. Any faculty member facing such an allegation would have immediately been placed on leave from the College. This delay allowed President Ramsammy to remain on campus and continue to interact with faculty, staff, and students, including at all three of the College’s commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 11. The union cannot overlook the gravity of this situation and the potential impact it may have had on those involved. We expect the college’s investigation to be conducted with the utmost diligence and efficiency, ensuring that the truth is revealed, and appropriate actions are taken. It is our sincere hope that the college community can navigate through this challenging time with transparency and integrity.”
We will continue to keep you updated as there is further information to share.
Robert (Sid) Whitaker
President, HVCCFA