Jayne Beilke is a professor of secondary and foundations of education. Her views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Last week, provost candidate William Swart defended his record of hiring practices at East Carolina University. In particular, Swart responded to allegations that he had hired several staff members from his previous institution (Old Dominion) and doubled their salaries during a time of fiscal retrenchment.
While those questions deserve answers, a simple Google search raises more troubling questions about Swart's administrative fitness for Ball State University.
During the brief time that Swart served as provost at East Carolina, he provoked "outrage" among members of the local Coalition against Racism, the university branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the school's Black Student Union.
Three flash points prompted the concerns. In one incident, Swart unceremoniously reassigned the popular director of the Cultural Center to a newly created, low-level job in the university library. During the three years she had directed the center, it had become one of the premier centers in the nation.
Second, Swart reassigned the director of the Office of International Affairs and replaced her with Bertus Ferreira, who served with the South African police under the system of apartheid. Ferreira provided security for racial segregationist Prime Minister P.W. Botha.
Finally, East Carolina police "stormed" an interracial Students Working Against Trials and Tribulations meeting, blocked the exits and recorded the students' names before allowing them to leave.
Faculty at the university, speaking "off record," describe Swart as creating a "climate of fear" at the institution.
"Outrage" is not easily provoked among students. Their energy is typically spent juggling classes, work and other obligations. It is also unusual to find a university administrator opposed by such a broad coalition of community members, university students, faculty and staff.
After a brief, troubled, tenure as provost, Swart was removed and subsequently reassigned to a faculty position. Scarcely two years later, he emerged as a candidate for Ball State provost.
The Muncie chapter of the NAACP urges the university community and the community at large to resist the appointment of William Swart as the next provost.
Members of the Muncie black community are aware of Swart's history and are watching this process with interest. His selection will send a clear message that racial sensitivity is not a qualification for Ball State administrators. What can you do?
E-mail, telephone or otherwise contact O'Neal Smitherman, chair of the search committee. Contact your student, faculty and staff representatives on the University Senate.
While Swart has much to answer for in regards to recent actions, it is Ball State students, faculty and staff who will have much to answer for if we do not speak out on this critical hire.
Jayne Beilke, professor
secondary and foundations of education,
president, NAACP Muncie branc
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
