Protesters call on YSU president Jim Tressel to resign
Protesters, including a Valley state Senate candidate, are calling on Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel to resign.
Students, faculty and community members gathered in front of Tressel's campus residence Wednesday voicing concerns over his leadership on education and why they said the faculty cuts have had a lasting impact on the community.
"This used to be a beacon of hope for many of the students. Right now it is not," Ohio state Senate 33rd district Candidate Bob Hagan said, "I'm here because I believe very strongly he should resign."
Hagan was among a group of protesters criticizing YSU President Jim Tressel and the administration when it comes to decisions made regarding faculty cuts, student costs, and academic priorities.
"He's lost that vision on what we do and making sure that our students are learning and what he's basically done is he's cut services and raise tuition," Hagan said.
Protest organizer and YSU graduate student Jacob Harver said, "We have world class faculty here and they are not being valued here. They are being cut here and we are losing that base of the university."
As of February, YSU has made 16 faculty cuts, but the university said there were few to no students enrolled in certain programs.
Students said despite low enrollment, the loss of these professors made a lasting impact on students and the community because of their involvement both on and off-campus.
Multiple students mentioned Judaic studies professor, Dr. Jacob Labendz, who was cut, and they said the university is not the same without professors like Labendz and his engagement.
"It's not just an academic program that's tucked away in the university," Harver said "He's actively engaged in the community. He's done programs downtown..."
21 News made an effort to reach President Tressel for a response to the concerns and those calling on his resignation.
The university sent a statement and said, "These have not been easy decisions and although losing faculty for any reason affects the University, we understand that they have a significant personal impact. These decisions were necessary to position the university for success. Less than 1 percent of the students were impacted and 17 of the 26 programs that were cut had 3 or fewer students enrolled. We have had to adjust our program offerings and our faculty resources to ensure that our academic portfolio of programs and courses attract enrollment, helps students and allows the university to survive and thrive."
