COLUMBIA, S.C. — The University of South Carolina Faculty Senate gave a vote of no confidence in USC presidential candidate Robert Caslen.
The meeting was held on Thursday and more than 150 professors gathered to vote on a resolution to "Restore the Integrity of the Presidential Search."
In that resolution, a mention of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges demonstrating concern over gubernatorial interference in governing boards.
They believe that Governor McMaster's actions in asking the board of trustees to vote for Caslen, has created a political conflict.
During the meeting, the Faculty Senate voted unanimously to give a vote of no confidence to the presidential candidate.
Associate Professor Dr. Bethany Bell spoke to News 19, explaining that she was encouraged by Thursday's decision.
"Nothing in Faculty Senate passes without heated discussion and this time it was complete unity," says Dr. Bell, College of Social Work. "It was really amazing. Under Dr. Pastides, we've made a lot of progress. He's been very conscious of working with faculty. My hope really is that this is the beginning of faculty really believing that we can make change happen and not just to take the easy way out when problems arise and bury their heads."
Faculty ask that the board of trustees start a brand new university president search with a "legitimate search process."
Here is a copy of the resolution, voted unanimously by the USC Faculty Senate.
