Dear Antioch Community,
As some of you already know and others may just be learning, on June 30 Antioch University agreed to enter into a voluntary, third-party mediation process to attempt to resolve disagreements about the Coalition for the Common Good, including governance, finances, performance, and the partnership itself. At every turn, Antioch has engaged in good faith, advocating dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. Our objective was always to resolve these disputes in a manner that preserved the Coalition and honored its governing agreements.
Unfortunately, our good faith has not been reciprocated. It has become increasingly clear that the CCG Board does not share our goals and has no interest in negotiating in good faith. Instead of collaborating with us, CCG Board leaders have issued us a series of escalating threats, including those to dissolve the Antioch Board of Governors and terminate the Antioch President. Today, the CCG Board of Directors followed up on these threats. They passed three resolutions: 1.) an attempt to dissolve the Antioch University Board of Governors, 2.) an attempt to take control of the bank accounts and funds of Antioch University, and 3.) an attempt to interfere with Antioch’s relationship with the Higher Learning Commission. CCG Leadership also unilaterally ended the mediation process. This is nothing less than an attempted hostile takeover of Antioch University.
We know this news is unsettling, and we are sharing this information today because, as Antiochians, you deserve to know the truth.
Most immediately, Antioch is taking legal action to prevent CCG’s hostile takeover. In fact, the CCG Board does not have the legal authority or ability to act on these threats. Indeed, we are confident in our legal position—one that is strongly supported by the affiliation agreements and governing documents. Nonetheless, most legal disputes take time, so final resolution will not come immediately.
As we refute these ill-conceived and unlawful actions, please know the following:
- These governance issues will not disrupt our course or work schedules. Routine operations of the University will continue.
- Classes will continue as scheduled, and students will continue pursuing their studies with passion and purpose. Faculty and staff will continue to do the work associated with their offices.
- The AU President, the Cabinet, and the AU Board of Governors will remain in their positions, leading the institution forward.
As leaders of Antioch University, we will do everything we can to preserve this institution, maintain its independence, and safeguard its mission. Antioch University does not exist because of the Coalition; we founded the Coalition and never could have imagined that creating this ambitious enterprise—which began as “a coalition of equals”—would lead to an attempted hostile takeover by our inaugural partner.
Antioch University is an independent institution that stands on its legacy of learning and practice: boldly and unapologetically shaping a more socially, racially, and economically just world. Antiochians are innovators and changemakers who uplift and inspire their communities. These are legacies worth defending and nurturing for future generations of students.
In the days ahead, let us move confidently forward and stand together. We trust that you will gather with friends and colleagues, consider the issues before us, and determine how best to support Antioch in ways that are authentic to you.
The Antioch University Board of Governors and President remain unwavering in our commitment to preserve Antioch’s mission, legacy, and independence. We will continue to advocate tirelessly for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the social justice values that have defined this institution for 174 years. Our purpose, as always, is to keep Antioch University Antioch.
In solidarity,
Lori Varlotta
President, Antioch University
Steve Crandall
Chair, Antioch University Board of Governors
