Broward College President tenders resignation, but the board wants him to stay
Broward College President tenders resignation, but the board wants ... WUSF Public Media
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Broward College President Resigns Amidst Conservative Influence
Broward College President Gregory Haile has abruptly resigned, becoming the latest high-profile departure from Florida’s public colleges and universities.
This resignation comes at a time when Governor Ron DeSantis has been exerting more conservative influence over schools, raising concerns about the direction of education in the state.
Board of Trustees Seeks to Continue Talks with Haile
Despite Haile’s resignation, the Board of Trustees at Broward College is not ready to let him leave just yet. In an emergency meeting held on Thursday, the board voted to continue talks with Haile instead of formally accepting his resignation and appointing an interim acting president. Haile was not present at the meeting, but his resignation letter was submitted on Wednesday night.
The board’s decision reflects their desire to address the concerns that led to Haile’s decision to resign. They hope to engage in an open dialogue with Haile and determine the best next steps to advance the college’s mission of providing quality, affordable education.
Background and Appointment of Haile
Haile was unanimously appointed by the Board of Trustees in 2018 to serve as Broward College’s seventh president. Prior to this role, he served as the college’s general counsel and vice president for public policy and government affairs. Haile is a first-generation college graduate, having received his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University and his Juris Doctor from Columbia University School of Law. He has also taught at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Miami Dade College, and Broward College.
Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a crucial role in shaping the future of education. Broward College, as a leading educational institution, recognizes the significance of these goals and strives to align its mission with them. By providing quality education to over 55,000 students, Broward College contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education. The institution’s commitment to excellence has been acknowledged through its recognition as a top 10 finalist for the Aspen Institute’s Prize for Community College Excellence multiple times during Haile’s tenure.
Concerns Over Conservative Leadership
Haile’s resignation is part of a larger trend of debates and tension surrounding the appointment of conservative leaders in Florida schools. Governor DeSantis has appointed several conservative members to boards of trustees, leading to changes in leadership and potential shifts in educational policies.
For example, at New College of Florida, known for its self-directed curriculum and free-thinking approach, the governor appointed six conservative members to the Board of Trustees. This resulted in the firing of the college’s president and the appointment of Richard Corcoran, an ally of the governor, as the new president.
Similarly, the presidential search at Florida Atlantic University was suspended after a DeSantis-backed candidate failed to make the list of finalists. The prolonged suspension has raised concerns about the adherence to state law in the search process.
Conclusion
The resignation of Broward College President Gregory Haile highlights the ongoing challenges and changes in Florida’s public education system. The Board of Trustees’ decision to continue talks with Haile reflects their commitment to addressing his concerns and finding the best path forward for the college. As the state navigates the influence of conservative leadership, it is essential to prioritize the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that quality, affordable education remains accessible to all students.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 4: Quality Education
The issue of the resignation of Broward College President Gregory Haile is connected to SDG 4: Quality Education. Broward College is a higher education institution that provides affordable education to students. The article mentions that Haile’s resignation may impact the college’s mission to transform the lives of students through quality, affordable education.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The issue of conservative influence over schools, including the appointment of new board members and tension over leadership changes, is connected to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The article highlights debates and tension over new leadership recommended and appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, which can impact the inclusive and representative decision-making processes within educational institutions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university
The article does not provide specific information related to this target.
Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels
The article highlights debates and tension over new leadership appointments by Governor Ron DeSantis, which can impact the inclusive and representative decision-making processes within educational institutions. This target is relevant to the issues discussed in the article.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not mention or imply any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu
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