Statement of the Cedarville University Board of Trustees
April 4, 2008
The Board of Trustees of Cedarville University met in special session on Friday, April 4, 2008, to consider the grievance brought against the University by faculty member Dr. David Hoffeditz. After carefully reviewing the University's policies and procedures, the report of the Grievance Investigative Panel (GIP), and the recommendation of the President, the Board of Trustees concluded that there were clear grounds for the severance of Dr. Hoffeditz and that the University's guidelines related to this personnel matter had been followed. This decision by the Board was unrelated to any theological issues.
Therefore, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept the recommendations of both the President and the Academic Committee of the Board of Trustees and to uphold the termination of Dr. Hoffeditz.
Following a lengthy personnel process, the University decided to give Dr. Hoffeditz notice of severance for cause last July, 2007. Dr. Hoffeditz's conduct toward the University, his faculty colleagues, and students had violated guidelines found within his contract which includes the Faculty Handbook.
Upon receiving notice of his severance for cause, Dr. Hoffeditz made use of the grievance process outlined within the Faculty Handbook. Dr. Hoffeditz's grievance was reviewed by a Grievance Investigative Panel (GIP), made up of five faculty members. The panel's report was then sent to the President for his consideration. Per the Handbook, the President then relayed his own recommendation, along with that of the GIP, to the Academic Committee of the Board of Trustees. The final decision to uphold the termination of Dr. Hoffeditz was made by the Board of Trustees.
The University's commitments to its conservative theological heritage, to its historic doctrinal position, and to the inerrancy and authority of Scripture have not changed, nor will they.
