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December 21, 2005Trustees passed watered-down version of controversial 'code'Critics called it a 'code of silence'TRAVERSE CITY - Northwestern Michigan College board members called it "The Trustee's Code" when they pitched a plan to pledge loyalty to the board and not "second-guess" the college president.Some critics called it a "code of silence." In the end, the board of trustees this year enacted a watered-down version that keeps some of provisions of the original proposal. "I think I'm happy we did what we did, as opposed to the first proposal," board member Walter J. Hooper said. No problems have arisen, and Hooper said he feels free to speak his mind. The board of trustees first introduced the code as a last-minute addition to its April 25 meeting agenda. It included a promise of "not undercutting or second-guessing the president" and a pledge of loyalty by "insisting that the chairperson alone speak for the board when it is not in session." At a meeting attended by about 40 people, some said the code could stifle debate and consolidate power for college President Timothy Nelson and board Chairwoman Cheryl Gore Follette. Some thought it sounded like a "loyalty pledge." Still others said they trusted the board and weren't bothered by the proposed code. The "governing style" policy the board instead passed mentions the board is "accountable to the community." Also, it says the board "is responsible for creating and maintaining a spirit of true cooperation and a mutually supportive relationship with its CEO." Follette said members wrote the code based on recommendations by the Association of Community College Trustees. Liz Henkin, spokeswoman for the organization, said it suggests a code of ethics and gives an example of one on its Web site. NMC wasn't the only state community college this year to see controversy from such a code. A college trustee and faculty unions at St. Clair County Community College sued that institution for enacting a code that went so far as to tell its board members "Do not solicit or encourage faculty, student, or employee concerns, whether by telephone, Internet (e-mail), or any other verbal or written communication unless previously authorized by the board." That board rescinded its code of ethics in May.
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