UMass Chancellor responds to no-confidence vote

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – UMass Chancellor Javier Reyes has issued a statement in response to a no-confidence vote by University faculty last night.

At a special meeting of the general faculty on Monday afternoon, they voted 473 to 332 for no confidence in Reyes’ leadership in response to his decision to call police on a pro-Palestine encampment protest. Tuesday morning, a new statement from the Chancellor in response to the vote further explained his decision to call in the state police.

He said, in part, that there were many risks to campus safety he had to consider, including demonstrators positioning themselves in trees and an alleged assault of a counter-protestor. In addition, Reyes said the wooden fencing and pallets were flammable and did not have a clear way in or out for first responders.

“Although I am disappointed in today’s vote, I accept it and will do everything within my power to move forward toward our shared goal of developing better understanding, collaboration, and communication.”

The vote will be presented to the school administration, who will decide whether Javier Reyes will keep his job. Faculty present for the vote, though, told us removing the chancellor wouldn’t solve the issue.

“I will work to regain the confidence of those faculty, students, and staff who, in the wake of the events of the past two weeks, sent a clear signal that we have work to do as we move toward a just and safe environment for our community. It is only through continued dialogue and civil discourse that we will build greater understanding and trust. I remain fully committed to the defense of free speech and academic freedom on our campus as we chart a path forward,” said Chancellor Reyes.

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Duncan MacLean is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since 2019. Follow Duncan on X @DMacLeanWWLP and view his bio to see more of his work.

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