The election of Chris Brussalis to the position of interim president is a direct threat to the fostering of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Point Park University. We as students, faculty, and staff deserve to feel belonging in a community which is marketed as one of the most accepting college environments in Pittsburgh. Upon the release of the information of Chris’ donations to Republican politicians during the 2022 election cycle and Christina Brussalis’ removal of the Pine-Richland Policy 832 equity policy, that is evident. 

I do not necessarily believe Chris Brussalis to be homophobic or transphobic, but rather I do believe his political donations and his wife’s comments indicate that he is not the ideal person to lead our student body. The idea of a leader being not homophobic is not the bottom line for our university. At the very least we need someone who can understand why students would view his political background as controversial. 

Many prospective and transfer students choose Point Park University because they are more likely to receive an affirming experience at our school rather than a neighboring university. Black, Indigenous, people of color and LGBTQIA+ students are simply at risk if the word “equity” becomes one of controversy. 

Brussalis may have a strong financial background, but the role of president requires so much more than just financial skills. Our university is incredibly progressive, and Brussalis’ appointment shows that the Board of Trustees does not understand the fundamental needs of the student body.

If you cannot move past the fact that Black, Indigenous, people of color deserve equitable treatment and LGBTQIA+ students deserve acceptance, that is a problem which should have been dealt with before being in charge of representing an entire student body. 

As a trans person, I am afraid by the outright lack of transparency from the administrative board. Chris Brussalis was elected as interim president by the board with no involvement of the student body or student government, despite their past involvement in the appointment of President Green. This is a disappointing extension of what Point Park releases as a message to their students. 

It is not only me when I say I am afraid. The LGBTQIA+ students on this campus are starting to realize that the people who determine the policies and events which represent who they are as people have the chance to be removed from the annual academic agenda. I demand a statement from Brussalis detailing what he will do for the queer people who create a home for themselves in this campus. If the question of if his and his wife’s political beliefs will influence the university can so easily be avoided, there is a real chance the interim president may harm a community of people which are at risk of discrimination every day of their lives. 

If you are capable of speaking with confidence on board meetings about the state of the university, then you should be aware of the dynamics which occur throughout the academic schools. The little representation which is prevalent throughout the university already displays the schools belief systems, despite the friendly language they attempt to use. There are students who discover information before professors, through email. I am a firm believer that faculty and staff should be communicated with as often as possible. 

A person’s identity, whether religious, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability based, should never be argued as if it is a political debate. Voices who have left and are coming into this university need to be heard. 

Chris Brussalis is the interim President. There is no dispute about that. I am not suggesting that he should resign from his position as interim president, but rather that when selecting a permanent president the board should actually consider the needs of the student body.