Faculty Unrest Simmers the Performance Ch-Ch-Changes Grace the Stage District-Wide

JACOB POLITTE Managing EDITOR

Changes over the past few years have left some faculty and staff collegewide concerned, and this year, some of those tensions came to the forefront.

A revised board policy in 2021 continues to have some faculty expressing concerns about its vague nature, and fear that as a result the policy may be “weaponized” to intimidate anyone who speaks out or disagrees with the college. In addition, this past semester, some STLCC faculty and staff commented anonymously on the college’s culture and what they feel are inadequate salaries as a part of STLCC’s Best Place to Work Survey.

In the original May 2020 addition to board policy, the college’s Civility Policy reads “In an effort to maintain a safe workplace free of harassment and to promote a positive learning environment for students and staff, respectful and civil behavior is required on College property, in College-sponsored transportation, and at College-sponsored activities and events. All persons having business with the College including, but not limited to students, faculty, staff, Board of Trustees members, volunteers, visitors, and patrons shall treat one another with civility, courtesy, and respect. Abusive conduct shall be prohibited.”

The college listed some examples of what may constitute abusive conduct, noting that it could take place throughout a variety of mediums. They also noted that the policy also stipulates, however, that investigation into this conduct may not necessarily be limited to these mediums.

Numerous faculty members began expressing concern to The Montage that the policy’s vague nature could result in it being “weaponized” to intimidate anyone who speaks out or disagrees with the college.

STLCC Chancellor Jeff Pittman strongly disagreed with that sentiment this past December.

“The entire purpose of the policy is to add protections for all members of the College community so that they are free from the impact of uncivil behavior, as defined in the policy,” Pittman said. “So, no, I do not think that the policy takes any protections away from faculty or any other member of the community.”

Faculty members continued to be concerned, and one even spoke up anonymously in an interview with The Montage. That anonymous source said it has the potential to be used capriciously, that it is not objectively defined and that it can be and is being used to divide employees.

This person said that they have seen the clause weaponized already on campus, and that they feel as if the administration has created an environment over time where people have become afraid to ask questions and talk openly about various issues. They also hinted that the policy may have had something to do with the disappearance of Professor Emily Neal from the Meramec campus; Neal has been absent from Meramec since August of 2022, and did not return numerous requests for comment. When asked directly about Neal, the Chancellor said he could not comment on the matter.

The unrest did not cool down as the year progressed, as the results of STLCC’s bid to be considered a Best Place to Work by the St. Louis Business Journal showed faculty members being more willing to speak out harshly against the college, albeit anonymously. Amidst the anonymous complaints are multiple accusations of salary disparity and a toxic college culture. Specifically, in one comment, the Chancellor is claimed to “have a known habit of making horrendous comments about those who move on to better opportunities and [a known habit of] treating them terribly upon receiving resignations.”

Pittman vehemently denied those accusations, saying that “It is impossible to understand what this is about given there are no names or details provided. I do not make ‘horrendous’ comments about current or past staff, and, in fact, I often serve as a coach and supply references for those who wish to further their career at other colleges.”

“STLCC Transformed” also was addressed in the survey results, with many feeling the project is disorganized. Some faculty members also reportedly had a strong negative reaction to renovations at the Corporate College that were uncovered by The Montage in a proposal that can be found in the January Board Of Trustees meeting agenda. That proposal revealed that the Chancellor’s Office at the Corporate college building was set to move to Room 295, with a potential renovation by contractor C. Rallo set to cost at least $169,347. Pittman said that the funding for these projects comes from the college’s sale of the Cosand Center in downtown St. Louis.

To read the complete versions of “Civility and STLCC,” “Is STLCC the Best Place to Work” and the previously unpublished Best Place To Work Survey results, use your phone to scan the QR codes below.