Concordia's Interim President Dr. William Cario today sent communications to all current faculty, staff, and students regarding a recent personnel matter. The following is his message to all Concordians.
Greetings from Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor,
In many ways, the spring semester has been off to a great start. Most campus activities have returned to “normal” and students are already looking ahead to spring break.
While there is much to celebrate at Concordia, this past week has been difficult. Last week I took the painful action of suspending one of our employees. Despite my effort to meet with the individual outside of class time to discuss the situation using biblical principles as outlined in Matthew 18, my request was rejected. The employee was suspended with full pay and benefits pending appropriate due process within our church system and the legal system.
This turn of events is regrettable, as is the nature of the public discourse it has spurred. Please be aware that when personnel matters arise, it is Concordia’s practice to make every effort to keep the situation confidential and private, both out of respect for the individual involved and to protect the university. Because the discussion of this situation has become so public, we have made the decision to publicly respond.
Despite the difficulties of this situation, please know that our priority at Concordia is to live out our mission every day by helping our students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. We remain unapologetically and overtly Christian from an LCMS perspective in all that we do and teach. While we are not perfect, we continue to seek God’s grace and forgiveness each day, modeling it for our students and one another.
Students, faculty, and staff, please join me in prayer as we navigate these days ahead together. Even in challenging times, our hope is in Christ alone and in whom we trust.
Thank you to the many who continue to encourage us. I am personally blessed by you and am most grateful.
Please share your comments using this link.
Your servant in Christ,
William R. Cario, Ph.D.
Interim President
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