Indiana University Faculty Vote No Confidence In President, Provost

In a dramatic turn of events, the faculty at Indiana University (Bloomington) has delivered resounding votes of no confidence against IU President Pamela Whitten, Provost Rahul Shrivastav, and Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Carrie Docherty.

1. Indiana University Faculty Vote
No Confidence In President,
Provost

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Source- Forbes
In a dramatic turn of events, the faculty at Indiana University (Bloomington) has delivered resounding
votes of no confidence against IU President Pamela Whitten, Provost Rahul Shrivastav, and Vice Provost
for Faculty and Academic Affairs Carrie Docherty. The decisions, reached during a meeting that saw
nearly 900 faculty members in attendance, reflect deep-seated concerns over the administration’s actions
and leadership.
The no-confidence votes, reported by the Indiana University Daily Student, showcase overwhelming
dissatisfaction among faculty members, with staggering percentages voting against the top administrators:
 93.1% expressed no confidence in President Whitten,
 91.5% showed no confidence in Provost Shrivastav,
 75% indicated no confidence in Vice Provost Docherty.

2. These votes stem from a series of controversies that have embroiled the IU campus over the past year,
leading to mounting tensions between faculty and administration. A petition, calling for the meeting and
subsequent votes, highlighted grievances ranging from perceived infringements on academic freedom to
concerns over shared governance within the university.
Among the cited issues were the cancellation of an art exhibit at IU’s Eskenazi Museum of Art, the
suspension of a faculty member, attempts to separate the Kinsey Institute from IU, and perceived failures
in supporting faculty members in controversial situations, such as Dr. Caitlin Bernard’s case.
Understanding No-Confidence Votes in University Governance
No-confidence votes are significant markers of faculty discontent, signaling deep-rooted concerns that
cannot be easily dismissed. While they lack official authority, such votes often catalyze discussions and
actions within university governance structures.
Indiana University has a historical precedent for such votes, with the last no-confidence motion against a
university president occurring in 2005. The motivations behind these votes typically revolve around
broader issues such as academic restructuring, budgetary concerns, and perceived challenges to
institutional autonomy.
President Whitten responded to the vote with a message of unity, acknowledging the diversity of
perspectives within the university while emphasizing the need for collaboration in navigating
contemporary challenges in higher education. She emphasized the importance of faculty input in shaping
the university’s future direction.
Board Backs President Whitten Amid Calls for Collaboration at IU
The Board of Trustees echoed support for President Whitten, emphasizing her leadership during a
transformative period in higher education. They highlighted the strategic plan, IU 2030, as a collaborative
effort between administration, faculty, and staff aimed at securing the university’s long-term success.
While the no-confidence votes underscore simmering tensions within IU, they also represent a call for
renewed dialogue and collaboration between faculty and administration. The coming months are likely to
witness intensive discussions aimed at addressing the concerns raised by the faculty and charting a path
forward that ensures academic excellence, institutional integrity, and shared governance at Indiana
University.
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