On Dr. Ladner, AU President

I got email from SISGSC

Official Statement of the SIS Graduate Student Council on Dr. Ladner

Until now, the SIS Graduate Student Council has refrained from taking an official position regarding the situation with Benjamin Ladner. During times of anger and frustration, patience is prudent to ensure that emotion does not cloud sound judgment. We know that the students we represent would expect nothing less from their elected leaders. However, after hearing from a great many of our constituents and after careful consideration, we have decided to state our position.

Dr. Ladner has lost both the confidence of his students and his ability to lead. Through his actions he has blemished the reputation of American University and damaged his capacity for fundraising. Finally, his poor judgment shows an absolute lack of respect for those students who have struggled and sacrificed to attend this institution. It is thus the sound judgment and position of the SIS Graduate Student Council that the continued presence of Dr. Ladner is a distraction to the educational objectives of this institution, and that he should no longer serve as president of American University.

Finally, as it is the duty of any community of scholars to apply logical reasoning to factual evidence, we call on the Board of Trustees to make available to the American University community all documentation regarding the investigation of Dr. Ladner.

This statement will be transmitted to the Board of Trustees, the Acting President, the Dean of SIS, and all other relevant parties.

The Graduate Student Council

School of International Service

American University

September 28, 2005