After an admissions scandal that drew nation-wide scorn and attention at the University of Illinois, a group of student and faculty leaders are calling for the replacement of President B. Joseph White and Chancellor Richard Herman. The group made their statement before the faculty and student senate’s meeting where senators voted 98-55 to encourage an “orderly transition to new leadership.” Though the recommendation forces no action, it signals a lack of faith in the current administration.

In May, the Chicago Tribune reported a scandal in which the university admitted politically well-connected students over more qualified students. Another investigation revealed that well-connected students received scholarships more often other students.

White and Herman defended their records before the Senate took the vote. They focused on their accomplishments, counterbalancing them against the questionable admissions system. White denied involvement in the scandal and Herman asked that he be judged on his achievements for the university.

Political science professor Paul Diehl compared the situation to students caught cheating. He said the punishment for a cheater would be given even if the student had outstanding grades.  

"There are certain types of transgressions that are so egregious that they don't only tip the scales, they make them come crashing down," Diehl said.

The university board will soon begin its evaluation of whether White, Herman, and other top administrators should retain their positions.

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