An Open Letter to Brandon University Board of Governors from a BUFA Memberposted November 1, 201126 October 2011 To: Members of the Brandon University Board of Governors Dear Board Members: Although I am currently on leave from Brandon University and teaching at New York University, I have received a copy of a letter addressed to you by Dr. Peter Rombough regarding the strike action currently underway at Brandon University. Like Dr. Rombough I was a member of the Presidential Search Committee of 2008. And like Dr. Rombough, I have devoted many years of my life (thirty years, to be precise) to this institution. My purpose in writing is to express my strong support for the concerns expressed by Dr. Rombough in his letter. As he has related, the strike of 2008 occurred precisely in the midst of a Presidential search. Among the most urgent concerns on the minds of search committee members were the restoration of collegial relations within the University and the creation of an environment conducive to cordial, respectful relations with faculty and BUFA. We believed we had chosen an individual especially well-suited to these tasks: one who would work conscientiously to minimize conflicts and to create the kind of environment in which the possibility of another strike would be exceedingly remote. Clearly we were wrong. I am deeply saddened to see the University needlessly divided. From what I can gather the differences between BU and BUFA are, if anything, more severe than they were in 2008. There is no doubt in my mind that this situation could have been averted and I am confident I express the view of the majority of the members of the 2008 search committee in saying that the last thing we expected to see in 2011 was another bitter strike. Since the ultimate responsibility for resolution of the current dispute lies with you, the members of the Board, I urge you to take the immediate steps necessary to end this strike and to restore the trust and respect so vital to the future of this University community. Sincerely, Dr. Wayne Bowman Professor of Music and Music Education |
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