University President Prepares to “Double-Down” on Ludicrous Decision to Remove Stockton Namesake Bust

Below is an internal memorandum from this morning regarding the present controversy.

It is important to note that the Stockton University Board of Trustees has not yet weighed-in on this controversy.

Reliable Insiders have assured me that it is the Board's desire for the Richard Stockton Bust to be immediately returned back to the Stockton University Library.

I have also learned and confirmed that there will be a phone call today with Dr. Kesselman and the Board to address the matter.

The Board was not consulted before the namesake's Bust was unceremoniously removed last week.

"The Stockton Community" is also concerned that Dr. Kesselman's approach towards dealing this unpopular decision and has formed a tightly controlled committee made-up of only Stockton insiders.

Developing.

Here is an internal document from Dr. Kesselman that speaks volumes towards how ridiculous and unnecessary this whole saga really is. The letter has since been published on Stockton University's website, here.

NOTE: I have removed the distribution list names of the Stockton Foundation Board Members from the memorandum to protect the innocent. Everything else is untouched.

Good morning Foundation board members,

Below is President Kesselman’s update to the community regarding the establishment of a Richard Stockton Exhibit Committee.

Please let me know if you have questions.

Susan Davenport
Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff
Stockton University
Stockton University

From: Kesselman, Harvey
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2017 7:34 AM
To: Faculty E-mail List
Subject: Message to the Stockton Community

 

 

Dear Members of the Stockton Community,

Over the past few days, I have been reading many emails, fielding calls, and listening to the wide range of viewpoints expressed by our Stockton and surrounding communities.

The decision to temporarily remove the bust of Richard Stockton from our Library entrance has created the opportunity to engage in a discussion of the man, his role in America’s history, and how we might remember him today.

Accounts of the desecration and destruction of historical statues fill our news, and remind us that our nation is struggling with accepting multiple points of view, with interpreting facts, and with finding common ground.

We are hopeful that through the development of the Richard Stockton Exhibit we will demonstrate that difficult issues can be dealt with in a way that strengthens and unites us.

Accordingly, I have asked our Provost to establish a Richard Stockton Exhibit Committee. The exhibit will thoughtfully and objectively explore the life and legacy of our namesake. The initial meeting of the steering committee* will take place this Wednesday as they begin the planning process.

Their first task is to recommend an appropriate safe and secure public space for the temporary relocation of the Stockton bust, that will include a panel exhibit that explains how and why we are undertaking this research initiative at this time. This will be completed expeditiously.

They will then lead the effort to develop a comprehensive Richard Stockton Exhibit, a larger installation that will be complemented with educational activities, that may include panel discussions, guest lectures, and the creation of a course on Richard Stockton.

As we move forward, we welcome and encourage the participation of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members in this important endeavor. Many have already volunteered. We hope that you will support us as we embark on this new chapter in Stockton University's history.
*The Steering Committee of the Richard Stockton Exhibit Committee will be comprised of key institutional leaders including the Presidents of the Faculty Senate, Stockton Federation of Teachers, and Student Senate, and our Student Trustee. It will also include our Dean of General Studies, our Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, and our Associate Provost for Strategic Planning, Academic Planning & Assessment.
Best regards,

Harvey Kesselman
President
Stockton University