Why I’m protesting the college of SAint Rose

I protested in front of the administration building yesterday. It would have been my first day of class had I not been among those professors at The College of Saint Rose who were laid off. I protested alone, in full academic regalia, and I carried a sign with messages on both sides:

As I mentioned in my recent Open letter to my former colleagues, having taught at Saint Rose for 24 years, I no longer recognize the institution I once helped to build. For more than a decade, I watched as leadership at the College became rudderless, disintegrating into a revolving door of administrators. The College’s finances are in shambles and I now understand the College has an operating deficit of $17M! By comparison, it had a deficit of $10M two years ago which then prompted the lay off of 33 faculty.

As I walked the short circle from the now tomb-like Massry Center for the Arts to the Huether School of Business, I was heartened by cars that honked their horns in approval and by the number of people who came up to me, expressed their support, and registered the QR code on my signs which links back to this blog. Among those who gave me their support were faculty, students, staff, and members of the community. In my open letter, I assured my former colleagues that I would continue to engage with them. I hope that together we can address issues of importance to them and to me.

By the way, I look forward to continuing my protest and to being out there periodically. If you wish to join me, let me know. As for protesting in the snow or when it’s bitter cold, sorry that’s not for me!

As for why I protest? I protest for accountability. How did a secret document ever get inserted into a process that was to determine the fate of all the college’s faculty members? As I also mentioned in my letter, neither silence nor apathy will restore Saint Rose to its former and rightful positive trajectory (I would add that it’s a trajectory of resilience that so many of our local colleges are experiencing but one that seems to elude the College of Saint Rose).  Only honesty, transparency, a commitment to academic integrity and dignity can possibly save this College. 

It’s too late for me. I’m on the outside looking in at classrooms where I once taught. I protest for the dignity of those who remain.

Photos of my protest will be posted as they become available.

Bruce Roter is a former professor at The College of Saint Rose where he taught for 24 years. He is the founder and President of the nonprofit, nonpartisan Music of Political Corruption. He also led the community grassroots campaign that brought Trader Joe’s to the Capital District.