Marigold Harding, Chairman of the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts, has given a terse response to the latest development at the institution.
Tension has escalated with several members of staff writing to Prime Minister Andrew Holness declaring a loss of confidence in Mrs. Harding, as well as other members of the Board of the Edna Manley College.
The stinging letter written by staff comes as the College reels from the fallout of allegations made by students against one of its lecturers, and the manner in which the administration has been handling the issue.
Lecturers and students have blamed the college's administration for its poor treatment of the problem, poor communication about the situation, and for the treatment of the school's principal Dr. Nicholeen DeGrasse-Johnson.
The letter raised questions about whether due process was followed in the re-appointment of board Chairman Marigold Harding, based on the provisions of the Education Code of Regulations for there to be a properly constituted meeting.
It also challenges the re-appointment of other members to the Board who would be ineligible for re-appointment based on the regulations which disqualifies them for missing a certain number of Board meetings.
There is another allegation that the appointment of an Acting Vice Principal may have also breached the Education Act Regulations.
The lecturers further allege that the Board Chairman may have made prejudicial and disingenuous comments about the principal's handling of the sexual harrassment issue, and these were done repeatedly.
The staff also complain that the Board may also be compromised because questions have been raised about procurement breaches by some members.
The letter is signed by nine lecturers across the various faculties, who are seeking the urgent intervention of the Prime Minister.
When contacted Tuesday morning, Edna Manley College Chairman Marigold Harding said she learned of the letter through the media.
She told RJR News she will discuss the matter with the board.
Mrs Harding added that she had no intention of meeting with the staff at this time.
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