It's Time to Begin the Search for U of L's Next President

Today's outrage at U of L is the revelation that President James Ramsey and Provost Shirley Willihnganz were fully aware of the scope and nature of former Dean Robert Felner's misbehavior and as early as May 2005 - when they buried a grievance and kept his misdeeds secret.

Page One has secured a copy of a grievance brought by Professor Brian Stamford, chair, Health and Sport Sciences, against former Dean Robert Felner in May, 2005. It states:

• Feb 2004 - Felner recruited Stamford to be Chair - offering a $25,000 bump in salary plus perks
• May 2004 - Glowing evaluation of Stamford's work from Felner
• Fall 2005 - Stamford defended his department against a move by Felner to take 20% of department funds and use them in his office. Felner relented and said he would take the funds next year.
• A female graduate student reported to Stamford that she was being sexually harassed by Felner. Following state law, university policy and sound moral judgement, Stamford reported the harassment internally.
• Felner responded with efforts to destroy Stamford's career at U of L and also Hanover College where he planned to work after retirement. Felner became confrontational and repeatedly interfered with Stamford's work. He removed Stamford as Chair.
• Felner withheld part of Stamford's salary, claimed that Stamford had already accepted another position, and began to process a resignation. He was presented with a constant stream of attacks.
• Stamford sought relief through Human Resources, university legal counsel, the Provost and the grievance process.
• Human Resources discourages him from filing anything.
• Legal referred him to Felner.
• Willihnganz referred him to Felner.

All Stamford wanted was fairness, to be left alone, and to retire as planned. What was Willihnganz's resolution to all of this? She buried it.

In a letter of understanding Stamford got what he should have been entitled to in any fair system, plus he got to keep his laptop and some exercise equipment.

In return U of L got his retirement and his silence. A confidentiality clause prevented Stamford from saying anything about the grievance. The grievance ... now how did Ramsey say it? ...never advanced.

One thing is clear from this single allegation: Willihnganz, and to be sure, Ramsey, were well aware of Felner's proclivities; they supported them; they protected him; and they are largely responsible for the destructive atmosphere we've all been reading about in this matter.

It's time for the Board of Trustee to form two more search committees.

And while they're at it, somebody ought to contact the young lady Felner was hitting on, profusely apologize, assure her that the offending parties will no longer be at Louisville, beg her not to sue over the university's obvious disregard for the safety of its students, and throw in some free tuition - assuming easy degrees are now out of the question.