Urgent Call for Accountability and Leadership Change at DePaul University

Daniel Rosado  

**** W Division Street  

Chicago, IL 60651  

ucya.org@gmail.com  

Office: (312)-625-0485

Dr. Robert L. Manuel  

President  

DePaul University  

1 E. Jackson Blvd.  

Chicago, IL 60604  

 

 

Dear Dr. Manuel,

It is with a heavy heart and profound disappointment that I write this letter. Your tenure as President of DePaul University has been nothing short of a disgrace, undermining the very values and mission that have defined our institution for generations. Your actions have not only embarrassed our community but have also brought shame upon an institution that has always prided itself on integrity, inclusivity, and excellence.

DePaul University is more than just a place of learning; it is a beacon of hope, a sanctuary for diversity, and a cornerstone of academic and ethical standards. Under your leadership, these cherished principles have been systematically eroded. Decisions made under your administration have alienated students, faculty, and alumni, casting a dark shadow over our beloved university.

The gravity of your failures cannot be overstated. It is evident that your leadership has compromised the trust and integrity upon which DePaul University was built. The community demands accountability. Therefore, I am calling for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the administration and the Board of Trustees. This investigation must uncover any and all instances of misconduct, mismanagement, and ethical breaches that have occurred during your tenure. Additionally, the DePaul Department of Public Safety and its administration must be included in this investigation. Recent actions and policies within this department have further eroded trust and violated students' rights on campus grounds.

Furthermore, I call upon the students, faculty, and staff of DePaul University to initiate a trial vote of 'No Confidence' in the University President, the members of the Board of Trustees, and certain members of the Department of Public Safety's administration. This vote of 'No Confidence' is crucial to protect the core values and mission statement of DePaul University. The university's reputation is at an all-time low and is in jeopardy due to breaches of students' rights being violated on campus grounds. This vote will allow the DePaul community to take a stand and demand leadership that truly represents the integrity and excellence that our institution stands for.

The reasons for calling a vote of 'No Confidence' in President Manuel and the implicated members of the administration are numerous and deeply concerning. Actions taken against students during the recent encampment have included, but are not limited to, discrimination, gross misconduct, negligence, and injustice. President Manuel's administration has shown a pattern of malpractice that goes against the ethical and moral standards expected from the leadership of an educational institution. Reports of discrimination and unjust treatment of students, particularly those involved in peaceful protests, have surfaced, highlighting a profound disregard for student rights and welfare.

The incident involving the raid and destruction of a Pro-Palestine encampment is a stark example of the administration's disregard for student rights and freedoms. Without any notice, the university destroyed thousands of dollars' worth of personal belongings, including urgent medications, food, school supplies, textbooks, and much more. This egregious act was a clear attempt to silence students' voices and suppress their right to protest, which is a fundamental aspect of a healthy academic environment. The proud motto "Here we do," is now only seen as "Here we silence" for what this administration has done to its own students.

Failure to address these issues will cost DePaul University far more in the long run. Ignoring these calls for accountability and change will lead to a continued decline in trust and support from the student body, faculty, and alumni. The financial implications of this decline cannot be underestimated, as decreased enrollment, loss of donations, and diminished prestige will have long-lasting impacts. Moreover, DePaul's pivotal role across the City of Chicago is at risk. The university has long been a respected institution that contributes significantly to the educational and social fabric of our city. The current trajectory threatens to strip DePaul of its reputable value among both youth and adults, potentially causing irreparable damage to its standing within the community.

If you lack the courage to confront these issues and enact meaningful change, then the only honorable path forward is your resignation. The legacy of DePaul University, its mission, and its future are at stake, and they cannot be entrusted to someone who has so thoroughly betrayed its core values.

Dr. Manuel, the DePaul community deserves leadership that embodies the highest standards of ethical and academic excellence. Your presidency has failed to deliver this. The time for decisive action is now. Step down, or face the scrutiny and consequences of a full investigation and a vote of 'No Confidence.' The future of DePaul University depends on it.

Sincerely,

Daniel Rosado  

Chief Executive Officer, Unity for Chicago's Youth and Adults