Guest Column; A rebuttal to the Diné College Board of Regents

By Concerned Diné College Employees

As concerned employees, we refute what the Board of Regents alleged in their column (“Negative news distracts from Diné College’s accomplishments,” by Board of Regents, Jan. 4, 2018).

First, if Sa’ah Naa ghái Bik’eh Hozhoo is followed, there would not be a no-confidence letter.

Second, the sexual harassment policy was violated by the Navajo comedians. It is dangerous to think that the college leadership would allow an act, which contains sexual connotations Ð in the workplace. This can only occur with a leadership that is unseasoned, inexperienced, biased, unfair, etc.

Third, shared governance seems to be a foreign phrase for the provost, college president and the board president yet they each continue to use the phrase. As the BOR’s letter documents, the BOR is working on being committed to shared governance. This is evidence that the phrase is foreign. They are still trying to figure out what it is and working on it.

Unfair and inconsistent application of polices and procedures has created divisions between employees.

The no-confidence letter is directly within the scope and responsibility of the faculty association: “facilitate constructive communication among the College’s administration and the faculty in developing and recommending policies and guidelines in academic areas that are aligned with the College’s mission and philosophy.”

Leadership adheres to polices and procedures to instill fear. Special circumstances are established for select employees. Leadership does not listen, they merely hear. Leadership does not know how to debate issues or concerns. They argue, immediately becoming defensive. Leadership does not address questions about issues or concerns. They threaten, harass, intimidate, bully, humiliate, abuse, etc., a tyrannical administration.

The guest column by the BOR is discouraging, demonstrating their lack of seeking a proactive approach. It is absurd for the BOR to present their defense in the media without first sitting down with faculty to listen to issues and concerns.

By BOR’s rebuttal in the media, they have confirmed there are issues and concerns that need to be addressed but aren’t willing to address them proactively.

Last, we are not aware of anyone with a personnel grievance. Our understanding regarding grievances is they are confidential. To document there is a personnel grievance in the media is improper. In fact, it is inappropriate for the BOR to be involved in grievances. This demonstratives being out of touch with employee issues and concerns.

This rebuttal column was submitted for publication by Juanita Francis, president of the Diné College Faculty Association.

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