Below is a letter sent to Gov. Bob McDonnell Thursday by a group of University professors and deans who also graduated from the University.
"June 21, 2012
The Honorable Robert F. McDonnell\nOffice of the Governor\nPatrick Henry Building, 3rd Floor\n1111 East Broad Street\nRichmond, Virginia 23219
Thomas Jefferson considered the founding of the University of Virginia to be one of his most significant\ncontributions to the American Republic. The University, he wrote, would be "based on the illimitable\nfreedom of the human mind to explore and to expose every subject susceptible of its contemplation." UVa\nis one of the nation's most distinguished public universities. Here we teach, create knowledge, and train\nfuture leaders. We are bound to uphold the principles upon which Mr. Jefferson founded this University:\n"For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as\nreason is left free to combat it."
The forced resignation of Teresa Sullivan represents the most serious threat to the academic integrity,\nintellectual reputation, and national standing of the University in modern history. We agree with the\nHonor Committee that the failure of the Board of Visitors to provide a full and clear explanation of its\ndecision has "created an environment that is inconsistent with the value of trust that runs through the very\nfabric of our University."
As members of the faculty who are also loyal alumni of the University, our role as stewards gives us a\nspecial obligation to speak out when we believe this institution's core values are at risk. We call upon\nRector Helen Dragas to follow the Vice Rector's lead and resign immediately. We also call for President\nTeresa Sullivan's reinstatement. The Board has failed to follow proper procedures and has shown an utter\ndisregard for the institution's commitment to shared governance. President Sullivan was selected after a\nrigorous national search process that incorporated input from stakeholders across our community. She is\nbeloved by faculty, students, staff, and alumni. She understands the financial challenges facing public\nhigher education today
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