Faculty members, staff, and students will gather today with community members for a press conference in advance of the expected board vote to layoff an undetermined number of Western Illinois University (WIU) employees, just weeks before the fall semester begins. Drastically reducing the faculty and staff who instruct and support students will not only diminish the opportunities available to students, but will also have dire consequences on the WIU community in Macomb and Moline.
It’s expected that the WIU administration and Board of Trustees will approve these layoffs at their emergency board meeting on August 6. Faculty and staff at WIU, who are members of the University Professionals of Illinois (UPI), will be joined by students and supporters for a press conference ahead of this expected announcement to demand a better solution that builds – not breaks – this important institution.
WHAT: “Save WIU: Stop the Layoffs” Press Conference
WHO: Faculty, staff, students, and supporters of WIU will gather with signs. Speakers include WIU-UPI President Merrill Cole, UPI President John Miller, WIU faculty, community members, and students.
WHEN:TODAY, August 5, 10:30 AM
WHERE: Chandler Park Gazebo, 148 E Carroll St, Macomb, IL 61455
Street parking is available.
WIU UPI President Merrill Cole released a statement last week regarding this threat of layoffs.
***Courtesy of the Western Illinois University chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois***
