Position Statement

We, a coalition of concerned undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni at Marquette University;

Consider the peace and happiness of the Marquette community a priority of the highest level;

Conclude that all available evidence verifies that the withdrawal of the offer made for the position for the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences to Dr. Jodi O'Brien was based in part on her sexual orientation; and that this is unjust;

Conclude that Archbishop Listecki's recent statements prove that there was outside intervention into our University community; and while we recognize his right to state an opinion, we nevertheless affirm that Marquette is an independent University within the Archdiocese;

Are concerned with the administration's lack of adequate explanation for the reasons behind their decisions on this matter;

Affirm that this injustice has caused immeasurable damage to Marquette's reputation and identity as a University founded upon Jesuit, Catholic values;

Affirm that this injustice compromises Marquette's stated commitment to academic freedom;

Believe the administration can only regain our trust after concretely demonstrating their will to repair the harm that has been done in the utmost level of professional accountability;

Gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Rev. Robert Wild, S.J., whose exemplary service of 14 years as our President has been crucial in transforming Marquette into the prestigious institution it is today;

Recognize our enduring debt to his service as ongoing beneficiaries of its positive consequences;

Are conscious that Fr. Wild's numerous efforts to dialogue with the greater Marquette community over the years demonstrate his sincere love and commitment to the well-being of out institution;

Insist that as our leader, Fr. Wild should bear the final responsibility for this injustice;

Demands the following as the necessary measures that ought to be taken as steps towards reconciliation and healing in our community:
1. We demand Fr. Wild's immediate resignation. As the highest and final decision maker he is ultimately at fault. His decision to rescind the offer to Dr. Jodi O'Brien has caused immeasurable damage to Marquette University's standing as a safe, diverse, and open institution of higher learning.
2. We demand a series of public apologies from Fr. Wild. These apologies should be directed to Dr. Jodi O'Brien, the search committee that he has overridden, the Marquette community, and the greater LGBT community. These apologies would be a concrete initial step toward the greater goal of reconciliation and healing from this disastrous decision.
3. We demand the offer be re-extended to Dr. O'Brien. The rescinding of the offer was unjust. This act would be a crucial step toward rectifying this injustice.