ISU faculty reject proposed constitution

Idaho State University faculty has rejected a faculty constitution. Of those voting, 147 voted against the measure and 128 in favor.

The document, which was approved by the Faculty Senate last month, set out how the university was supposed to be governed and detailed the responsibilities of the faculty and administration.

Opposition to the constitution expressed concerns that the document would strip faculty members of the ability to set policy and would place them in an advisory role only. However, Faculty Senate co-chairs Clayn Lambert and Jenny Semenza said the constitution would bring the university in line with the State Department of Education and rejecting it would mean “kicking the can down the road for a different senate or faculty group to wrestle with.”

The vote was held April 20, and results were announced Monday.

Due to the outcome of the election, the Faculty Senate said it would not forward the document for administrative consideration or action.

“We also thank all faculty, regardless of their viewpoint who participated in the voting process,” said Lambert and Semenza in a statement. “The issues related to the role of faculty in the governance processes at Idaho State University affect all faculty, and we welcome all perspectives and voices in these conversations. It is the Faculty Senate’s position that continued faculty engagement is critical to the core values and missions of the university.”