By: Aaron Hall, Contributor
It has not been a dull semester at Canisius University. It seems that every week there’s a new topic of discussion going through the campus, no matter how controversial it may be. The status of our college is an ongoing conversation that has caused division within our campus. In light of all the controversy, I found it necessary to do some reflection. I want to make it clear that I am not writing to validate or disapprove anyone's opinion. I am not telling anyone how to feel, or casting judgment on anyone for their feelings. I simply want to offer another perspective that may incline us, as a community, to give more grace to each other.
I have been privy to a plethora of conversations with students, faculty and alumni about the issues our school is facing. Being a person in a position of leadership and being involved in what can be a difficult process of making decisions that affect a large group of people, my perspective on decision making is different than many. It is more difficult when some decisions take longer amounts of time to yield desirable results, and at times, even more transparency cannot wipe away the concern for the future. This is an area that I have noticed a lot of division. Only time will tell if correct decisions have been made for the future of our campus. However, that is not the only conclusion I came to after my reflections.
After a conversation with former USA President Jahare Hudson ‘24, I learned about the glass cliff theory. The article I’ll be referencing is “A mixed methods exploration of Black Presidents appointed to Predominantly White Institutions: Assessing their exposure to the glass cliff and experiences as administrators of color.” This dissertation, written by Melandie Katrice McGee, gives an in-depth, research-backed explanation as to what the glass cliff theory is and its presence throughout institutions around the country. This theory suggests that leading up to times of crisis, companies and institutions will appoint a minority to positions of leadership. After this, once the time of crisis arrives, the appointed will undergo scrutiny, blame and attacks that are at times unwarranted and unfair. Thus, the minority is blamed for problems that they did not create. Sometimes, the problems predate their term. Due to these circumstances, the appointee still receives blame for issues or decisions they have no complete control over simply because they are the face of an institution.
Another finding of this study is data showing that over a four-year period, institutions that appointed a black president experienced, on average, a greater increase in tuition and fees than recently appointed white presidents. Additionally, the next finding shows that there is evidence of a decrease in student retention over four years prior to the appointment of black leaders, whereas white leaders experience an increase in student retention prior to their appointment. In short, prior to a leader of color being promoted, there will already have been a decrease in student retention; and prior to a white leader being promoted, there is already an increase in student retention before they are promoted, which is hypothesized to be done intentionally.
How does any of this apply to us here at Canisius? I believe that this era of our school can be considered a time of crisis, and there are some correlating factors between the dissertation that I’ve presented to you and our campus. As a leader of color, it has been disheartening to watch the way our president has been spoken to and treated. I am not ignorant to all that has transpired, and by no means is he perfect – neither is anyone present on this campus. Let me remind you that I am not here to affirm or bash anyone on their opinionated stance on President Stoute, but I encourage everyone to be mindful of the words they use.
I was present outside of the State of the University address, and I was vexed at what I saw and felt. While I was bothered at the lack of communication to the student body, I was unsettled by the amount of ignorant outrage present. I use ignorance by the definition: lack of knowledge or information. This lack of knowledge has fueled disrespect towards a man dedicated to this institution. I feel that it is a byproduct of systemic racism. Before you become defensive on my previous statement, hear me out; the data spoken of earlier shows that presidents of color can inherit problems of institutions that predate them. In this case, President Stoute did not cause Canisius’ deficit issue, nor is he the reason behind a nationwide enrollment issue. Yet, it seems people on this campus want him to receive repercussions on issues we are not completely knowledgeable of. Some of you may be uncomfortable reading this because you feel called out, and that’s okay! I challenge you though, to imagine the unease of students of color as we watch people in a predominantly white institution attack a person who looks like me and other black and brown students.
There is nothing wrong with offering constructive criticism or questioning leadership, but the delivery is what dictates if it will be productive or problematic. Is every decision President Stoute makes perfect? No, but my one request for everyone reading this is to give grace! Since we are at a Jesuit institution, I find it appropriate to quote 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you.” I believe that if we all make an effort to offer each other more grace, we will find that to be sufficient fuel to fix these issues. I can assure you of that. We are all Griffs, students, staff and administration. We are one Canisius.
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