SUNY to Dump Environmental Campus at Southampton
Yesterday,
Stony Brook University's new President Samuel Stanley stunned several
hundred confused and saddened students by announcing his plan to
essentially shut down the State University's brand new environmental
campus in Southampton. In the face of pending state budget cuts, Stony
Brook's new leadership claims it cannot sustain the campus that,
ironically, hosted the university's Sustainability Studies programs. Click here for a video of the rally.
Campus Dedicated to Sustainability Never Given a Chance
Just
a few years ago, the East End community rallied behind Stony Brook
University to save Southampton College from closure. Under its prior
President Shirley Strum Kenny, Stony Brook agreed to take the campus
over and invested $35 million in renovations and began a courageous
effort to create a campus curriculum with heavy focus on conservation
and sustainability. Students feel they were never given a chance to
build the campus to its full potential. Click here for the Southampton Press coverage.
Campus Produces Volunteers, Interns, Future Employees
Over
the years, the Group for the East End has recruited many volunteers,
interns and professional staff members from Southampton College and
recently reestablished that same positive relationship with the new
SUNY campus as well. Our region depends on this campus to produce
people who understand community planning and the conservation ethic
that peacefully links humans and the natural environment on the East
End.
Closure Will Negatively Impact Local Economy and Education
The
Southampton campus contributes greatly to the local economy, from
students and faculty who use local services and dine out in local
restaurants to graduates who remain in the area and become part of our
community. In addition, some local young members of the community rely
on the university as a feasible means of achieving higher education
close to home. Click here for the Southampton Town Supervisor's support of the campus.
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