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Summary Report for UIUC AAUP Policy Committee on March 12, 2007

Present: Kenneth Andersen, Geneva Belford, Linn Belford, Matthew Finkin, Clyde Forrest, Bettina Francis, Harry Hilton, Walter McMahon, John Prussing, Arthur Robinson, Robert Spitze, Leslie Struble, Donald Uchtmann, H. F. Williamson

(1) Review of (a) the minutes for the February 12, 2007 meeting with the Provost; (b) the minutes for the February 12, 2007 Policy Committee meeting and (c) the Summary Report. These documents were approved with minor revisions.

(2) UIUC Task Force on Issues of Racism and Free Speech. Uchtmann circulated and discussed a letter that he had drafted concerning free speech, racism, and hate crimes addressed to Chancellor Herman and Professor Chapa. This discussion began as a result of the news item describing a Chancellor’s task force on this issue chaired by professor Chapa. The Policy Committee unanimously approved a series of motion. The first was that we should make a statement on this issue. Forrest noted that this was in keeping with national AAUP policies on this issue and Uchtmann mentioned his concern that too few speak up on such issues. The second was that we agreed with the general focus of the statement. Andersen was pleased that we noted that civility is important but not if it means infringement of free speech. Finally, the statement itself was approved as edited. The motion to send the letter was approved with the suggestion that a copy also be sent to the Chair of the Senate Committee on General University Policy, in addition to those already mentioned in the draft.

(3) Global Campus Initiative/Partnership. The discussion continued with emphasis on (the importance of there being a continuing role in the governance of the program once it has been approved by the Board of Trustees.

(4) Revision of Chapter By-Laws. There was a discussion of the latest revision of the revised by-laws. . It was moved that the new By-Laws be proposed to the members to be voted upon at the annual meeting with a recommendation of approval.

(5) Invitation to President White to meet with Policy Committee. It was agreed that we plan to meet with the President as early in the fall as possible unless a special meeting can still be scheduled this semester.

(6) Preparations for Chapter’s Annual Meeting on May 4:

(a) Report from Nominating Committee. Williamson reported on behalf of the committee (Hilton, Spitze, and Williamson) that the current officers were nominated to continue for another year and each had consented to being nominated. Uchtmann noted that had agreed to be nominated only because of the strong support the members of the Committee had provided him and, he was sure, would continue to provide.

(b) Arranging for mailing to Chapter Members. Williamson will notify the members via email of the time, place, and agenda for the annual meeting including the report from the nominating committee and the proposed revision in the By-Laws.

(c) Discussion of agenda. It was agreed that Andersen would lead a discussion of issues of importance to the members particularly with regard to events taking place in Springfield. He would work with Williamson on the preparation of the announcement.

(7) State Conference: A motion to approve Andersen as a delegate to the Conference annual meeting was approved. Andersen noted his concerns about the how the conference is operating.