HOLLAND (WHTC) — EDITORS NOTE: This story has been changed to accurately reflect the trustees’ actions.
On the heels of Hope College’s chief academic officer, Richard Ray, stepping down Monday, a viral social-media campaign is underway to support Hope’s president, John C. Knapp.
Students plan a silent demonstration set for noon today (Friday, April 15, 2016) at Pine Grove on Hope’s campus. Two notes are being circulated as part of the appeal.
Organizers are calling for transparency and asking Knapp supporters to speak up using social media and the hashtagged phrases #Students4Knapp #Faculty4Knapp and #Alumni4Knapp.
Several people connected to Hope who asked not to be named in this story indicated Hope’s board of trustees held unscheduled meetings Tuesday and Wednesday.
Trustees took no action regarding Knapp, according to Hope spokewoman Jennifer Fellinger.
Knapp is Hope’s 12th president and the fourth non-Hope alum to hold that job. Hope trustees unanimously voted to hire him in 2013.
Social media messages cite Knapp’s support for diversity, respect and unity among Hope’s Christian faculty and students of all faiths.
WHTC contacted school officials as well as demonstration organizers for details after learning of the plans late Thursday and will update this story as necessary.
Among the social media posts:
Rebecca Fein @RebeccaFein@cassbernhardt #students4knapp you’re not alone. I could tell you stories from when I was a student. Hope needs help! #alumni4knapp #co1999
Kathryn Krieger @katnappin@PresKnapp, we love you, we are thankful for you, and we are praying for you and your family. Thanks for all you do. #students4knapp
Cassidy Bernhardt @cassbernhardt We are #Students4Knapp, #Faculty4Knapp, #Alumni4Knapp, and all together @HopeCollege. We stand strong for each other.
Elizabeth Trembley @BethTrembley#students4knapp #faculty4knapp #alumni4knapp @PresKnapp leads us with Christian vision into the larger world. True liberal arts vision.
Lorna Jarvis @jarvis050762President Knapp has created an environment of dialogue and significant learning at Hope College. He is a strong leader #students4knapp
Jason Gillmore (public Facebook post)Hope College is facing challenges and transitions with grace and poise under @PresKnapp – a strategic visionary servant-leader humbly uniting a diverse range of Christian faculty and students of all faiths (or none at all) into a strong and respectful community pursuing excellence in scholarship, teaching and learning while earning Hope increasing prominence as a world leader in Christ-centered higher education.#faculty4knapp #students4knapp
Mariana Thomas, (public Facebook post)President Knapp has done amazing things and has been an inspiration to not just us students but to faculty and staff as well! Please share and send your support and encouragement to President Knapp so he knows his hard work means a lot to us! #Students4Knapp
