The Triton College Board action against Michael Bakalis is a disgrace, and the unwillingness or inability of state authorities to take any corrective steps is an even bigger disgrace.
For 20 years, this school has been an embarrassment to Illinois education; apparently, Triton has a tradition of firing presidents (6 in 10 years) so that the trustees can dispense jobs and contracts to their friends. Throughout his distinguished career, Michael Bakalis has put sound education, student needs and personal ethics before politics.
The fact that he would not tolerate the political interference of this ridiculous board is further testimony to his character. He simply said ”no” to their hungry demands for control, jobs and politically connected contracts. Being fired by this board is actually a badge of honor, and he should be given some kind of Profile in Courage for Educational Leadership award.
We can at least hope that the legislature and the Illinois Community College board will not let this travesty continue.
