Teachers, students protest against Marymount University eliminating several majors
ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — Students and teachers are outraged about the decision on February 24 to eliminate numerous liberal arts majors at Marymount University.
On March 1, protestors chanted, "Respect our choices, hear our voices!!"
They also held up signs that read, "Not fair and not inclusive" and "Students deserve to be heard."
The action comes after the Board of Trustees voted to eliminate several majors including art, English, history, philosophy, mathematics, sociology, secondary education, and theology and religious studies.
The plan to cut those majors was proposed by Marymount President Dr. Irma Becerra.
"I'm opposed to the choices that are being pushed through by the president and the teachers' response has really like enforced my understanding of everything," Marymount student Jonas Gleiner told 7News.
All of the teachers who spoke to 7News at Wednesday's protest declined to go on camera due to fears of retaliation.
One adjunct professor said the group would like to meet with Dr. Becerra to reach a compromise that would keep all or at least some of the eliminated majors intact.
Marymount University Director of Communications Nicholas Munson said concerns about retaliation are "unfounded."
He also explained the president held a town hall on Wednesday for faculty and staff to review university-wide issues and give them a chance to share their concerns.
According to Munson, information sessions with students are being planned for the next few weeks.
The school emphasizes that students who are currently enrolled in the eliminated majors will still be able to graduate in them, but students who enroll this fall will not be able to select those subjects as a major.
