No one can qualify them as “Oops” moments, and that’s because issues with water pipes and black mold don’t develop without warning.
But that’s how the administration of Wheeling University acted in mid-February when forced to move 25 students out of 18 living areas in a dormitory. Not their fault. No way.
But, according to the students, they offered plenty of red flags about Ignatius Hall, the McDonough Center, the absence of faculty and support staff, the lack of communication from the university’s administration, and a fear of retribution for telling the truth to their parents, their friends, and, worse of all, anyone with the press.
When about 40 of the students rebelled and rallied along Washington Avenue a few months ago, they wore masks to hide their identity. They did that in America. The land of the free.
There’s no excuse for a college campus to host that kind of atmosphere. Students should fear not being prepared for exams and not be scared their scholarships could be taken away or their grades changed. But that’s what they told us … quietly, of course.
Plus, social media accounts were created and, although inaccurate on occasion, the veiled reporters offered alarming insight that angered an alumni base and a city full of graduates and supporters once proud to have such a respected school smack-dab in the middle of the municipality.
Now that the board has taken action – finally – and the mess is being sorted and surprises discovered, this question remains: When does Ginny Favede, suspended president, apologize to the students?
There is no need for some useless diatribe blaming former administrations and construction crews, and no one wants to hear the ole “successes despite” speech, either. Nope, in this case, only one statement will work.
“I am sorry.”
For the lack of staff and faculty to ensure a quality education was received. For the mold. For the water issues. For the lack of functionality of dorms, athletic facilities, and laboratories. For broken HVAC systems, and elevators. For the heavy hand at the top.
And for placing children in danger.
So, when?
