Kentucky: Courier-Journal calls for UofL Board of Trustees to recant support for UofL’s handling of Felner affair and focus on internal reforms

Courier-Journal: Ramsey’s Apology

Some will feel that University of Louisville President James Ramsey’s apology for his mishandling of the Felner affair is overdue. Only a few weeks ago, Dr. Ramsey dismissed the allegations of impropriety by the former education dean as “anonymous crap.”

However, Dr. Ramsey’s change of heart is a welcome signal that the university is taking seriously the scope of the investigation, which focuses not only on potential misappropriation of federal funds, but also alleged abuses of personnel.

In remarks to the U of L Faculty Senate, Dr. Ramsey and Provost Shirley Willihnganz, who also apologized, embraced a proposal for review of managerial and administrative practices at all of the university’s schools and colleges. The faculty recently sent a letter to the U of L board of trustees proposing such a study.

In addition to the ongoing federal investigation, which is expected to continue into October, the internal grievance procedure at U of L needs attention. The president and provost indicated their support for that review, too.

Now the responsibility shifts to the board of trustees. Only two weeks ago, chairman J. Chester Porter expressed support for the way the Felner affair had been handled. He too needs to recant, and the body he leads needs to focus attention on internal reforms.

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