By Shane Hilde
Educate Truth has confirmed Marta Tooma, former LSU Board member, never talked to the biology department prior to her removal as board member. According to a statement from Larry Becker, head of LSU PR department, the three board members that were removed “failed to operate within board processes.” According to Wisbey et al., all three board members were in contact with the biology department. However, only two of the board members who attached their name to the statement had spoken with the biology faculty. Alvaro Bolivar and Tooma had no contact with the biology faculty, yet Tooma was removed and Bolivar stayed. Keep in mind the LSU administration was well aware of the joint statement before it was sent to the Adventist Review. A statement from LSU reads:
The La Sierra University Board of Trustees expressed its concern to the officers of the North American Division over the precipitous action taken to publicize the “Joint Proposal” without adequate prior consultation with the La Sierra University administration and board…
“Adequate” prior consultation means the administration was aware the document would be published. Also, the Associate Provost for General Education and Academic Support at LSU, Barbara Favorito, edited the joint statement, yet it appears LSU administration did nothing to stop the statement from being sent out or even suggesting that it be delayed. The double standard LSU is exhibiting spells agenda–an agenda to oust board members who have challenged Wisbey every step of the way.
