Considering recent events, we feel that it is our responsibility as current students to express our solidarity with the faculty effort to increase the transparency and accountability of Grinnell’s administration.

We support an external review of the departure of Sheree Andrews, as proposed by some members of the faculty. Andrews’ dismissal has brought on an unhealthy atmosphere of suspicion and distrust among students, faculty and staff. We believe that this external review may help restore the community’s confidence in our institution.

We condemn the cease and desist letter delivered to Professor Ralph Savarese as an act of intimidation designed to restrict student-faculty interaction. We believe that open dialogue between faculty and students is necessary for a healthy college community.

The issues that we have with the administration are community issues and cannot be resolved on an individual level. Access to and the involvement of all members of the community is imperative for the resolution of our concerns.