According to a report from Indiana Public Media, Indiana University Bloomington’s Faculty Council is initiating a “No Confidence” vote targeting President Pamela Whitten, Provost Rahul Shrivastav, and Vice Provost Faculty and Academic Affairs Carrie Docherty. 

Colin Johnson, the council’s president, disclosed that the vote is set for April 16, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the IU Auditorium, having secured 226 signatures on the petition, surpassing the required 50.

Johnson emphasized the gravity of the vote, urging thoughtful consideration among faculty members, expressing regret over the perceived rift between faculty and university leadership. Each official will face separate “No Confidence” votes, necessitating decorum during the process due to its seriousness.

The faculty will convene to consider the vote of no confidence, addressing recent controversial university decisions, including the suspension of Professor Abdulkader Sinno, the cancellation of Palestinian painter Samia Halaby’s exhibit, and the Kinsey Institute restructuring proposal. 

Shrivastav emphasized the university’s pursuit of a bold vision for the future, acknowledging inevitable disagreements but stressing collaboration to address challenges and seize opportunities.

The vote’s significance lies in sending a message to the administration, reflecting faculty discontent and their role in shared governance. While not binding, it signals faculty’s displeasure and can impact university leadership.

The dissatisfaction stems from concerns over academic freedom, shared governance, and recent administrative decisions, prompting faculty to demand accountability and a more inclusive decision-making process.

While faculty organizers express widespread mistrust, they seek to hold the administration accountable and restore faculty voices in university governance.