Racial Protests now planned

[DKW 86 6,948]

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Racial protests planned at Auburn

Assistant provost says new athletics director 'has crippled race relations here worse than anything I know'

Monday, February 14, 2005

By EVAN WOODBERY

Sports Reporter

8Auburn

AUBURN -- Two prominent black administrators who were let go last week in a shakeup of the athletics department plan to attend a press conference today to protest their firing, according to an Auburn University assistant provost.

Church, university and government leaders from the black community will take part in the press conference called for 11 a.m. today on the steps of the university library. They plan to publicly criticize the dismissal of Stacy Danley and Eugene Harris, said Keenan Grenell, Auburn's assistant provost for diversity and multicultural affairs.

Danley and Harris were two of three administrators let go Thursday in a reorganization of the department by new athletics director Jay Jacobs, who replaced retiring AD David Housel six weeks ago. The third administrator dismissed -- Marvin Julich -- is white.

Danley did not respond to messages left at his home. Harris has an unlisted number and could not be reached.

Grenell said he believes the fired administrators have remained quiet on the advice of their attorneys. But in comments to the Opelika-Auburn News on Friday, Danley suggested that his dismissal was retribution for a racial discrimination complaint he filed against the university in 2003 that was eventually settled.

"I knew back in 2003 if I went forward with my claims and exposed some negative things within the athletic department, that it was a good chance my employment would be short-lived from that point on," Danley said.

Jacobs was traveling Sunday, but he said last week that the positions were eliminated as part of a restructuring of the department that will make it more efficient and that personal issues had nothing to do with the changes.

Jacobs met with Grenell and other campus administrators Friday in Samford Hall to discuss the firings. But Grenell complained that the meeting came too late, and that Jacobs was naive to ignore the "political ramifications" of the move.

"Jay Jacobs has crippled race relations here worse than anything I know," Grenell said.

In his interview with the Auburn newspaper, Danley hinted of damaging revelations to come if he decided to tell his side of the story.

"Some things are going to come out in the near future," Danley said. "It's unfortunate because we had a great year this year. Those kids did a tremendous job. We're going to always love Auburn and support Auburn, but as a father and a husband, I'm going to always do what's best for my family."

Grenell echoed those comments.

"From what several people have been told, I really think this institution made a bad mistake (in firing Danley)," Grenell said. "If he starts speaking, there are some things that will not make this institution look good in athletics. If he does share what he knows, I think I'm going to be on vacation that day."

Grenell declined to elaborate when asked if he had spoken directly to Danley about any allegations.

Danley, a former Auburn running back, helped supervise men's programs. Harris was an assistant under former men's basketball coach Cliff Ellis before becoming assistant AD for special projects in 2000.

According to Grenell, Jacobs attempted to explain the changes at Friday's meeting.

"He tried to explain his rationale to me, but to be honest with you, I just didn't buy it," Grenell said. "He tried to say the decision had nothing to do with personalities."

Despite the controversy surrounding their firings, Danley and Harris still care for Auburn, Grenell said.

"While they are hurt, they still love this place," he said. "That speaks for the qualities of those individuals."

[AuNuma1 1]

This is just great...just a shame the way our school is run. Will they ever learn?

[jaydubb121 22]

Oh boy, this should be fun.

I had to check my calendar to be sure it was not April 1.

Sigh.

Combine this with CTT saying last week on ESPNews that Carnell and Ronnie had hearts "bigger than watermelons" and it looks like a full blown story for CBS News.

[Proud Tiger 4,261]

I'm not sure but aren't 1-2 of the people Jacobs promoted also black? I guess

Grenell wanted no firings and just more promotions for blacks. I'm sorry for spouting off but I get sick of someone automatically playing the race card the minute a black person is fired. Grennell didn't understand Jacob's explanation because he didn't want to. Let's see.... the basketball team is about all black and the FB team is 90% black so we are paying a lot of black kid's way to school and yet we are a racist institution. Geez, give me a friggin break.

[jaydubb121 22]

I think THEY would call that exploitation PT, not opportunity.

[AURainman 6]

Three men were fired

Two black men were fired

Three JOBS were eliminated in their wake

Three men were appointed to lesser positions

Two were black men

Diversity shouldn't be an issue in this one. (Sadly, people are playing it out as such).

[Proud Tiger 4,261]

I think THEY would call that exploitation PT, not opportunity.

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Yeah, year after year we really exploit guys like Dansby, Thomas, Williams, Brown, Rogers, etc., who will make more money in one year than a lot of us in a lifetime. Sure wish I had been exploited.

[DKW 86 6,948]

THE POINT here people is that JJ was not the best guy available when he was hired. Even if everybody fired was a righteous fire, Jacobs doesnt have a clue as to how to handle the situation. He is out of his league just like many tried to warn us he would be.

People get fired everyday, Jacobs just has to to screw it up so bad he may make national news!

Getting sued is a fact of business. I just wish Jacobs could have used .10 worth of tact while doing the restructuring. Lets hope he has ALL the legal ends nailed down tight.

[AU Tailgating Rules 0]

Why are they not protesting the white guy's firing?

[Proud Tiger 4,261]

Three men were fired

Two black men were fired

Three JOBS were eliminated in their wake

Three men were appointed to lesser positions

Two were black men

Diversity shouldn't be an issue in this one.  (Sadly, people are playing it out as such).

Right. Notice how the media and other folks only report one side of the story.

[AUslug 1]

Well if race relations are damaged so badly does that mean that my neighbor isn't going to talk to me any more because she is black? Does that mean that I can't talk to one of my best friends from back home because she is black? I'm tired of everyone making anything that deals with a person of a different race into a racial issue, especially at . I first read about all this stuff on Tidefans.com of all places, and of course they were putting down Auburn as nothing but racists who are still living in the 50's, excuse me but where did Wallace stand in the door, thats right. I'm a student at Auburn and I see people of different races everyday and I interact with them and I'm white as they come. Why does Auburn get pounded for racial factors that they can't exactly control. What is the majority race in the state of Alabama, white and what is the biggest school in the state, Auburn, do the math. I've read where people slam AU for low minority enrollment, they totally forget there are two historical black colleges 45 mins from Auburn University, those being Tuskeege and Alabama State. Sorry for the rant but this is one of my hot button issues when people spout off about how racist Auburn is.

[AuNuma1 1]

And it's not like Jacobs is some new guy we hired from far away to come in to be Athletic Director. He's worked at Auburn for quite some time now. And just as soon as he's appointed to a little power, this is what he does? These three men could've been fired for very good reasons. But Jacobs could've handled this better.

Once again, the administration at Auburn makes a fool of themselves and the school...gotta love it.

[Proud Tiger 4,261]

Well if race relations are damaged so badly does that mean that my neighbor isn't going to talk to me any more because she is black? Does that mean that I can't talk to one of my best friends from back home because she is black? I'm tired of everyone making anything that deals with a person of a different race into a racial issue, especially at  . I first read about all this stuff on Tidefans.com of all places, and of course they were putting down Auburn as nothing but racists who are still living in the 50's, excuse me but where did Wallace stand in the door, thats right. I'm a student at Auburn and I see people of different races everyday and I interact with them and I'm white as they come. Why does Auburn get pounded for racial factors that they can't exactly control. What is the majority race in the state of Alabama, white and what is the biggest school in the state, Auburn, do the math. I've read where people slam AU for low minority enrollment, they totally forget there are two historical black colleges 45 mins from Auburn University, those being Tuskeege and Alabama State. Sorry for the rant but this is one of my hot button issues when people spout off about how racist Auburn is.

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Amen brother!! It's ridiculous. I work for a black guy who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. One of the best people I know and I'm proud to work for him. By the way, he grew up two blocks from BD stadium in Tuscaloosa and wasn't offered a scholarship. So don't let any bammer ever accuse Auburn of being racist.

[Aubie7 0]

THE POINT here people is that JJ was not the best guy available when he was hired. Even if everybody fired was a righteous fire, Jacobs doesnt have a clue as to how to handle the situation. He is out of his league just like many tried to warn us he would be.

People get fired everyday, Jacobs just has to to screw it up so bad he may make national news!

Getting sued is a fact of business. I just wish Jacobs could have used .10 worth of tact while doing the restructuring. Lets hope he has ALL the legal ends nailed down tight.

146398[/snapback]

Maybe you should have applied for his job.

[Aubie7 0]

And it's not like Jacobs is some new guy we hired from far away to come in to be Athletic Director.  He's worked at Auburn for quite some time now.  And just as soon as he's appointed to a little power, this is what he does?  These three men could've been fired for very good reasons.  But Jacobs could've handled this better.

Once again, the administration at Auburn makes a fool of themselves and the school...gotta love it. 

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How could it have been handled better? Maybe we could have continued to pay them for three more years, like an ex-coach? What is your suggestion?

[DKW 86 6,948]

THE POINT here people is that JJ was not the best guy available when he was hired. Even if everybody fired was a righteous fire, Jacobs doesnt have a clue as to how to handle the situation. He is out of his league just like many tried to warn us he would be.

People get fired everyday, Jacobs just has to to screw it up so bad he may make national news!

Getting sued is a fact of business. I just wish Jacobs could have used .10 worth of tact while doing the restructuring. Lets hope he has ALL the legal ends nailed down tight.

146398[/snapback]

Maybe you should have applied for his job.

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[AUesquire 1]

So I wonder what Mr. Grenell thinks about taking a paycheck home every month from from Auburn University. You know, it's a tough job and all being "Provost For Diversity and Multicultural Affairs."

I am curious; however, about how you folks think Jacobs should have handled this. Please tell me what he should have said to avoid this turning into a racial issue. "We regretfully must announce that these 3 people will no longer be employed by Auburn University. Now, I know 2 of them are black and despite what you might think, it's NOT a race thing. As your new athletic director, I want to make that clear. Race was NOT a factor."

How in the world can you handle the termination of a black man or woman and even hint at the fact that race was not involved. If you do, how silly do you look? The point is, if they had to be let go, then so be it. I don't know how you handle that more tactfully than to do what he did. Do you honestly think he should have made some reference to race? You know as well as I that the mere termination of a black individual or NOT hiring one for a position is going to cause an uproar among the "Black leadership" no matter haow it's done or for what reason. It was going to happen no matter what explanation Jacobs gave.

[CCTAU 2,378]

For all of us older AU guys, I don't think the color was as big a shock as the NAME.

Danley is AU through and through. And has been there through three different head coaches. What could have been the issue other than personality or revenge. Apparently it may have been a little of both. I know Danley. Played ball with him and have seen his dedication to AU. But he did anger the administration (and Lowder's boys) with his issues a few years ago. What is gained by this?

If it was due to performance, then give the reasons why. To hide behind a re-org is.....well a little fishy.

[channonc 466]

As a young member of the AU family, I am confused as to what Danley said that could have sparked a revenge firing. I am just not caught up on this... if someone could fill me in on the whole story, I would definately appreciate it...

[The Prowler 1]

All this Crap is freakin' Stupid.........Race? Give me a damn break......Just because someone was/wasn't hired or was/wasn't fired and because he's a black american doesn't Mean squat, at Auburn only the True Auburn man sees everyone as One color, Orange and Blue............and Apparently Danley doesn't see it like that, hell he's getting $80,000 from a previous Race Discrimination Suit that he filed against Us in '03.........Firing Stacy Danley was the Right choice that was apparently tried before..............This is Truely, Truely, Truely Asinine (Stupid). And what about the White Guy that was Fired or the Two Black Americans that moved Up in positions...........I guess since Two Black people were fired that's all the B'Ham News and other Media outlets need to try to bring Auburn down........This whole Race issue, if Stacy and Harris tries to go to court with it, ain't gonna fly.......because if it was a Race issue, then Why In Hell would JJ Fire a third guy that happened to be White and move Two people up "Of The Same Race as Stacy and Harris?" JJ wanted to..........how you say "Trim The Fat"........If you ain't with the Program Black, Yellow, Red, or White.........then Bye Bye. Sorry for the Rant. War "BY GOD" Eagle

[MDM4AU 307]

As a young member of the AU family, I am confused as to what Danley said that could have sparked a revenge firing.  I am just not caught up on this... if someone could fill me in on the whole story, I would definately appreciate it...

146427[/snapback]

He supposedly filed a suit of some sort a few years ago that was settled out of court. He stated that he knew then that his days at AU were numbered.

[AURaptor 1,113]

Is this an issue of someone cry'n wolf , or is there really something wrong here that warrents a protest of this sort ?

Either way, it's damned ridiculous.

[WarDlowe 39]

146405[/snapback]

How could it have been handled better? Maybe we could have continued to pay them for three more years, like an ex-coach? What is your suggestion?

146412[/snapback]

For real... And to echo what everyone else has been saying, this is ridiculous. What about Grenell running his mouth? As an employee of Auburn, I would think that the things you say to anyone, particularly the press, are supposed to bring the school up. He sits there and says, "I think this institution made a big mistake in firing Danley" because of things he knows? When you work in any kind of job, you are going to see the dirt that's there. So because you know dirt, you use that as blackmail to keep your job even if your boss thinks you are underperforming? And he continues to say that he didn't buy Jacobs' rationale for firing them? All he is doing is widening the gap and blowing this situation into something worse than it should be, where I would guess it is in his job title to BETTER race relations, rather than do this kind of crap.

[Jenny AU-92 0]

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"I knew back in 2003 if I went forward with my claims and exposed some negative things within the athletic department, that it was a good chance my employment would be short-lived from that point on," Danley said.

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Short lived? TWO MORE YEARS is SHORT LIVED?

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In his interview with the Auburn newspaper, Danley hinted of damaging revelations to come if he decided to tell his side of the story.

"Some things are going to come out in the near future," Danley said. "It's unfortunate because we had a great year this year. Those kids did a tremendous job. We're going to always love Auburn and support Auburn, but as a father and a husband, I'm going to always do what's best for my family."

146388[/snapback]

Read "Claim racial discrimination and then sue someone to get money instead of going to find another job on my own merits."

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Grenell echoed those comments.

"From what several people have been told, I really think this institution made a bad mistake (in firing Danley)," Grenell said. "If he starts speaking, there are some things that will not make this institution look good in athletics. If he does share what he knows, I think I'm going to be on vacation that day."

146388[/snapback]

Sounds like extortion to me - I keep my job and I keep my mouth shut. Ahh, nothing like a little payback.

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Despite the controversy surrounding their firings, Danley and Harris still care for Auburn, Grenell said.

"While they are hurt, they still love this place," he said. "That speaks for the qualities of those individuals."

146388[/snapback]

Couldn't prove that by their actions. Or is this one of those "This willhurt me more than it will hurt you but it's for your own good" kind of things?

I am very disappointed in Stacy Danley. Note that the white guy has been neither mentioned nor interviewed. Guess fired white guys are a dime a dozen. Or maybe he is too busy putting together a resume and looking for another job so he can do the best thing for him and his family.

[AUesquire 1]

Jenny, you make waaayyy too much sense.