The University is conducting an internal review of Campus Ministry after numerous complaints from staff members and students about current University Chaplain Adam Bunnell, OFMC.
Michael Garanzini S.J., the Special Assistant to University President Leo J. O’Donovan, S.J., is leading the review of Campus Ministry.
In an April 16 letter to O’Donovan, former Georgetown University Student Association President Tawan Davis (CAS ‘01) said he wished to “outline general concerns that include a lack of professionalism, a pattern of unclear appropriation of funds, maltreatment of students and continued demoralization of chaplains and staff.” The letter was co-signed by eight leaders of Campus Ministry organizations.
O’Donovan met with Davis and other students Wednesday to discuss their letter.
The letter specifically addresses several concerns that students have with Bunnell’s leadership in Campus Ministry. Two years ago, Bunnell, who has been in his position for three years, cited budgetary constraints and fired the full time Protestant ministers at Georgetown and hired part-time replacements. The letter accuses Bunnell of frequently verbally badgering Protestant Minister Rev. Constance Wheeler, attempting to remove Rabbi Harold White, and intimidating ministers through repeated threats of termination, an uncomfortable work environment and frequent, open verbal harassment.
Funding is also a problem cited within the letter sent to O’Donovan. Davis said that programs sanctioned by Bunnell have been repeatedly canceled without notice because of a lack of funds.
“[Bunnell] has threatened and actually appropriated funding away from their intended purposes,” the students wrote. “Monies given by alumni and raised by students for specific goals of the Jewish Student Association, the Gospel choir and other Campus Ministry groups have occasionally been directed elsewhere … we are concerned that the Chaplain has not been forthcoming about the use of such funds.”
According to Steve Glickman (CAS ‘02), the former president of the Jewish Student Association, O’Donovan told the students Bunnell’s contract was up for renewal this year and no official decision will be made until Garanzini finishes his review of the department.
“We have met with [Bunnell] on several occasions, and he hasn’t responded seriously,” Glickman said. “He makes chaplains and students uncomfortable and fearful of bringing concerns to his attention, because he deals with them in such a brash fashion.”
University officials could neither confirm nor deny the allegations made by students in the letter.
“The University does not publicly discuss internal management or personnel issues but will address them carefully in dialogue with the appropriate parties,” said Julie Bataille, Assistant Vice President for Communications.
Students said they would like to see a new University Chaplain replace Bunnell.
“[Bunnell] needs to be seriously reconsidered,” Glickman said. “The job [of University Chaplain] and the way it connects with students has suffered.”
