Editor's note: The following e-mail was sent to the Roger Williams University community on Monday morning, July 16, 2007, by RWU President Roy J. Nirschel.  

To the members of the Roger Williams University Community:

 I’m writing to you about the story that appeared in Saturday’s Providence Journal focusing largely on comments by former chairman Ralph Papitto and other issues relative to the Roger Williams Board of Trustees.

 As you know, Roger Williams is unequivocally committed to inclusive excellence. There is no place in the life of this University for anyone who uses inappropriate or derogatory language toward any individual or group. The standard is particularly high for those in leadership positions.

 A new Board of Trustees is being built under the leadership of Chairman Richard L. Bready. Mr. Bready is an accomplished business and civic leader, a philanthropist and someone committed to best practices in board governance – not because of media scrutiny – but because it’s right.

 The new Board, as currently proposed, will be one-third female, increasingly diverse and global, and will reflect our commitment to all of our core values. Its composition represents an impressive cross-section of individuals from business, the law, finance and academia and will include representation from our alumni and parent populations. In essence, the Board is “catching up” with the change and inclusiveness embraced by Roger Williams University.

Additionally, I would like to clarify what may not have been apparent in the article in reference to the role of the Board and the circumstances surrounding the changes that are now being made.

The Board of Trustees is the legally constituted body ultimately accountable for the institution’s quality and integrity. It is a self-governing body, responsible for, among other things, hiring the president. It is only the Board, no one else at the University, who can make changes to its own membership. I am pleased that they have chosen to do so.

While the events of the last few days have been difficult for many of us at Roger Williams, it is important to remember that civility, reason and respect are the cornerstones upon which a Roger Williams education is built. That will never change.

My door remains open, and as always, I am available via telephone or email.

Roy J. Nirschel, Ph.D.
President