The Executive Committee met on 24 May 2021 at 3 pm over Zoom. All members of the Committee were present.
As charged by the Chapter on 21 May 2021, the Executive Committee composed the following statement regarding the USF Forest Preserve:
Whereas, an RFI on the plot of land designated as the USF Forest Preserve has been posted, and
Whereas, the USF Faculty Senate observed that the USF Forest Preserve serves critical environmental functions, and
Whereas, the USF Faculty Senate observed that the USF Forest Preserve is a critical teaching and research resource, and
Whereas, the USF Forest Preserve is a major resource to faculty in at least seven departments for both teaching and research, and is thus important to those faculty for carrying out their assigned scholarly duties, and
Whereas, the USF Forest Preserve is a major resource to graduate students both for completion of their dissertation and thesis work and for their instructional duties,
Therefore, be it resolved that the United Faculty of Florida declares the USF Forest Preserve to be of intrinsic value, both to the mission of the University of South Florida, and to the faculty and student employees within the UFF USF Bargaining Unit, and as such it should be regarded as being held in trust by the USF Board of Trustees, to be maintained in perpetuity as a resource for the University, and
Therefore, the United Faculty of Florida opposes any attempt to dispose of or compromise the USF Forest Preserve.
This statement is to broadcast to the UFF USF Bargaining Unit and Guest List as a Biweekly Extra. It is also to be sent as a press release to the various media outlets.
This minute respectfully posted by Gregory McColm on 24 May 2021.