SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In order to make an informed decision on the future of the SIU system, state Reps. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, Monica Bristow, D-Godfrey, and LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, are planning to hold a series of hearings with the SIU Board of Trustees on exploring solutions to concerns and disagreements within the board.

“While we believe Edwardsville should be treated fairly, we are committed to the entire SIU system and their mutual interests. In deference to our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as SIU leadership, we are holding-off on efforts to explore the independent governance of the schools until we receive feedback from the Board of Trustees. We believe that engaging in a dialogue may reveal necessary information to help in assessing the institutions future.

“It is time for the SIU system to acknowledge that Edwardsville is a full partner, with nearly identical enrollment, and its own unique set of objectives. Unfortunately, the current board has chosen to handle Edwardsville as a second class institution. Their current actions may be misled in representing the interests of students, faculty, staff and the entire SIUe community.

“We are extending our willingness to cooperate with the board in an effort to engage in discussions on the nature of its recent decisions. A solution that is reasonable and fair for both Edwardsville and Carbondale is our highest priority to ensure that they can be effective in executing their individual missions.”