HOLLAND (WHTC) — In an effort to allay fears that Hope College President John C. Knapp, may be on the firing line, college officials on Saturday released the full text of an email from Hope’s board of trustees chairwoman, Mary V. Bauman.
Her letter acknowleges anxiety on campus in the wake of Provost R. Richard Ray Jr.’s stepping down from his post in what Knapp wrote was a disagreement on leadership, and the trustee’s emergency meeting.
Knapp has been silent on the topic. Ray and Bauman referred all media inquiries to Hope’s vice president of public affairs and marketing, Jennifer Fellinger.
Bauman’s letter praised what she termed “respectful activism” on the part of Knapp’s supporters, who organized an intense social media campaign, and silent demonstrations, a Twitter account, a change.org petition (which has so far garnered close to 1,500 signatures), and, on Friday, launched a website, hope4knapp.org..
She noted a loss of trust in the board on the part of students, faculty and alumni after the trustees’ emergency meeting. The meeting was confidential until related emails were leaked to the journal “Inside Higher Education,” indicating a recommendation by the board’s nine-member executive committee to fire Knapp was on hold.
The trustees meet for a regular session early in May and Bauman’s note indicated the board wouldn’t resume its debate on Knapp’s job but beyond that, she wrote, personnel matters were confidential.
Her note affirms a commitment to diversity without mentioning the issue Knapp supporters say has put his job on the line: a more-inclusive policy for same-sex couples and less rigidity regard lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students.
Though Bauman’s note strikes a conciliatory tone, she also maintains trustees’ actions are done in the best interest of Hope College.
The full text of Bauman’s letter, which was provided by school officials:
Dear Hope College Community:
I want to thank you for your patience as the Hope College Board of Trustees works to resolve a matter that has caused anxiety for many in the Hope community. Today’s world of immediate communication requires a different process, and I apologize for not being able to respond in the rapid context of today’s environment.
I am so very proud of the positive and respectful activism that has been demonstrated by so many of you in these difficult times.
Moving forward, I promise we will find new ways to work through problems and disagreements. I know that we need to earn back your trust and, over the coming weeks, I will work to do so. The Executive Committee will be appointing a team of board members to review the issues and work cooperatively with the president to resolve them.
I want to assure you that the board remains unanimous in support of our Hope for the World: 2025 Strategic Plan, and Hope College’s commitment to increasing diversity. Also, we remain unified by our mission that helps us to see that we are strengthened by our diversity and committed to the flourishing of every individual as one created and loved by God.
And, the Executive Committee will not bring a motion to terminate the president’s contract at the May meeting. Instead, we plan to devote time to reflect, discern and consider what is in the best interest of the Hope community.
I understand and respect the importance of transparency but at the same time we must ensure confidentiality in dealing with personnel matters to respect the rights of all involved. There is no question we could have handled this personnel issue better.
However, please understand that the actions of the board, whether you agree with them or not, are done with what we believe to be in the best interest of Hope College, and not for any personal or ideological differences.
It is my hope and prayer that we can continue to refer back to our motto, Spera in Deo (“Hope in God”). It is based on two passages, Psalm 42:5 (“Put your hope in God”) and Hebrews 6:19 (“We have this hope, as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”). I hope you will join me in looking to these verses now as we work together on a path forward.
Thank you in advance for your grace and support.
Mary V. Bauman
Chair, Hope College Board of Trustee
