The following are resolutions passed by the respective faculties of the Kogod School of Business, the School of Communication, the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of International Service and the Washington College of Law. The School of Public Affairs did not reach quorum, so it could not pass an official resolution, but it's "sense of the meeting" recommended Ladner step down or be removed by the board.
Kogod School of Business
1. The faculty of the Kogod School of Business has lost confidence in the leadership of Benjamin Ladner and urges him to resign as President of American University. If his resignation is not forthcoming by the end of this month, we recommend that the University Board of Trustees remove Ben Ladner from office immediately. 33 in favor, 1 abstain
2. The faculty of the Kogod School of Business further recommends that upon the resignation or removal of Ben Ladner from the office of President he should receive no severance pay, "golden parachute", or other compensation from the University other than the minimum that is legally required. 26 in favor, 1 abstain
School of Communication
1. We, the faculty of the School of Communication at American University, no longer have confidence in President Benjamin Ladner's ability to lead our faculty and this university. The students, faculty, staff, and alumni of this university deserve a president with the moral and ethical authority to unite the university community behind our shared educational mission of promoting public service and principled achievement. Benjamin Ladner no longer holds that moral and ethical authority, and we call upon him to resign immediately. If he will not resign, we call on the Board of Trustees to dismiss him. 27 in favor, 3 opposed
2. We, the faculty of the School of Communication, believe that transparency, accountability and prudence are essential for the university to move forward, thrive, and realize the rich intellectual promise of its students, faculty, and alumni. To demonstrate a commitment to these principles, we call on the Board of Trustees to create an independent body to review the University's governance and accounting practices to ensure that these core values are translated into actions 13 in favor, 12 opposed.
School of International Service
1. Benjamin Ladner's unethical actions are incompatible with the standards and values of American University. The SIS Council has no confidence in the ability of Benjamin Ladner to serve as president of American University. For the good of American University, the SIS Council calls on the Board of Trustees to dismiss Benjamin Ladner. 38 in favor, 3 opposed 2. Resolved: All documents relating to the investigation of President Benjamin Ladner, including the audit report and response as well as President Ladner's contracts, should be made available to all members of the AU Community. 39 in favor, 1 opposed
College of Arts and Sciences
1. We the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences vote no confidence in the leadership of President Benjamin Ladner, and we call on the Board of Trustees to terminate his presidency of American University and sever all relations immediately with him as president of American University. 108 in favor, 6 opposed
2. We ask the Board of Trustees to foster greater transparency and accountability in its decision-making on key financial and personnel issues affecting the university. We call for greater involvement by the broad University community in the selection of members of the Board. We advocate the formation of an all-university faculty committee to examine the procedures of the Board in regard to its relationship to the faculty and educational mission of the university. The committee should report its findings and recommendations to the Faculty Senate by the end of the semester. 108 in favor, 1 opposed
Washington College of Law
We, the faculty of the Washington College of Law, believe that the president of the university must act at all times in accordance with the highest professional and ethical standards. We have been shocked to learn of President Benjamin Ladner's extravagant and unethical expenditures of American University funds. His conduct is contrary to the educational mission of our school, betrays our commitment to our students, and endangers the long-standing commitment of our alumni. It is imperative that this intolerable situation be resolved immediately through the termination of Benjamin Ladner's presidency of American University. In light of these developments, we the Faculty of the Washington College of Law unanimously vote "no confidence" in President Ladner's ability to provide the ethical and effective leadership to which our University is entitled.
