University of Missouri faculty oppose outsourcing plan after ‘disruptive protests’
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri Faculty Council approved Thursday a resolution that opposes the possible elimination of nearly 250 jobs.
“It's against privatization, which means keep them as they are," Faculty Council Chair Clark Peters said.
Peters also said the resolution is about respecting employees.
"It's recognition that we are a member of the Columbia community, and central Missouri is our home," he said. "We’re a huge employer and these employees are part of our MU family and we should treat them as such.”
The plan to outsource custodial and landscaping jobs has been met with protest by workers. Some faculty members have expressed opposition to the cuts, as well.
MU sent some staff an email this week threatening discipline after a protest through Jesse Hall became "disruptive" last week.
Vice Chancellor of Operations Gary Ward said the university respects peaceful protests, but there are time, place and manner restrictions, which were not followed last Thursday.
Six university policies relevant to free expression, assembly and protest became effective June 1, 2017. These include both new policies and previously existing policies that have been amended.
The university website on free expression on campus said the new policies came in early 2016 after protests on campus left many students, faculty and staff questioning how MU regulates free speech, assembly and expression.
The campus saw massive protests in fall 2015 over race issues, including diversity among students and faculty.
MU spokesman Christian Basi said in a previous interview the university hopes to make a decision on the jobs in late June or early July. The elimination of the jobs is an attempt to save money as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to drag down revenue.
