In times such as these, when a nation is trying desperately to heal wounds of its past, overcome obstacles at its present, and progress as a whole, it must do just that. To move forward it is imperative we do so together. 

Barring hate speech and other intentionally oppressive acts, cutting out those who have views different than our own, shutting down honest mistakes with swift and ruthless punishment, and ignoring the realities of the people with whom we share the world is unbelievably dangerous. Not only can it radicalize those who are left out of the conversation, it blinds us to their views. 

The removal of Dr. Leslie Neal-Boylan from her position as Dean of the Solomont School of Nursing because of a choice of words, perceived by the powers that be to have some meaning beyond their definitions, is a heinous abuse of power by the administration of the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, a compromise of academic integrity, and contrary to one the University’s strategic goals: excellence in global engagement and inclusive community [1]. But what is much worse and remarkably disturbing, is that this removal would be done in secret and without any due process to Dr. Neal-Boylan. How can this University, a place where “transformational education” is intended to “prepare students… to make a difference in the world” [1], expect its students to be prepared for a world of differing views, when those with even a trace of differing opinions, regardless of whether those opinions are present, are silenced and fired on the spot? [2]

As an institution of higher learning, the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, must remain a beacon of intellectual and cultural freedom, discourse, and growth. This is completely impossible when reasonable voices are silenced, and decisions are made unilaterally by administrators. For these reasons we demand the reinstatement of Leslie Neal-Boylan as the Dean of the Solomont School of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. This must be done in order for the University of Massachusetts, Lowell to continue striving toward its goal of excellence in engagement and inclusivity. We cannot lead by example as a university if the conversations that are necessary for amelioration are thwarted by institutional power.

[1] https://www.uml.edu/2020/Pillars-of-Excellence.aspx

[2] https://www.lowellsun.com/2020/07/12/turmoil-in-uml-nursing-school/