Superior council refers resolution opposing UW–Superior program suspensions after public comments

Councilor Van Sickle moved on Dec. 5 that a resolution opposing recent program suspensions at the University of Wisconsin–Superior be placed under "business by councilors" on the Dec. 19 Superior Common Council agenda; Councilor Ludwig seconded the referral, and the council approved the motion by voice vote.

The referral followed public comment from community members urging action. "I'm here not only because I'm concerned about my education, but I'm concerned about the community of UW Superior and the city of Superior itself," said Amber Norris, who gave her address as 2102 Jefferson Street, Duluth. Norris estimated roughly 275 people — faculty and students across affected programs — could be displaced if cuts proceed.

Cyrus Pare, a Superior resident, read a prepared statement urging the council to draft a resolution in support of UWS students and faculty after the university administration suspended 9 majors, 15 minors and 1 master's program and placed 15 other programs on suspension warning. "The enacted cuts will no doubt wreak havoc for Superior," Pare said, urging the council to act to help overturn the cuts.

Councilors pledged to draft language in coordination with county and university stakeholders. Councilor Bender said he had exchanged draft ideas with County Board member David Conley and expected collaborative input before the resolution is finalized. The chair reminded councilors that because this was a referral they could not debate the substance at the Dec. 5 meeting and asked that proposed language be made public in advance of the Dec. 19 meeting.

What happens next: the referral places the item on the Dec. 19 agenda for formal consideration. Councilors were instructed to circulate draft resolution language ahead of that meeting so it can be posted for public review.