On this episode of The Newsroom, we’re joined by WHQR’s own Rachel Keith for a deep dive into the removal of Trustee Ray Funderburk from the Cape Fear Community College Board.
In one sense, the hearing was about whether or not Funderburk had overstepped his bounds as a trustee and acted inappropriately — the board alleged he had pressured an instructor to change a student’s grade, a serious policy violation. They also alleged he had publicly criticized the college during a student forum — instead of taking his concerns to college president Jim Morton.
But in a deeper sense, the hearing was about what kind of person the board wants as a trustee — and how much, if any, dissent from the party line they are willing to accept.
And that’s what we’ll get into on today’s show.
Links to reporting on CFCC and related issues (credit Rachel Keith except where noted):
- Ousted CFCC trustee says he repeatedly faced pressure to stay silent
- The Trial of Ray Funderburk — with Benjamin Schachtman
- CFCC President Jim Morton presents 2022 review to trustees
- New Hanover school board faced outside pressure on CFCC trustee appointee
- CFCC Trustee Ray Funderburk explains his dissenting vote on President Jim Morton’s salary increase
- CFCC President responds to questions over marine tech program
- Former CFCC Trustee challenges board to take action instead of remaining complicit — with Michael Praats, WECT
- Robby Collins takes the seat of former Cape Fear Community College Trustee Jimmy Hopkins
- Disquiet at Cape Fear — Pam Kelley for The Assembly
- CFCC releases legal bills, and redacts most of them. What’s the hidden $50,000 for? — Benjamin Schachtman for Port City Daily
- “Whole process was screwed up”: New Hanover school board members cry foul on CFCC trustee nomination — Mark Darrough for Port City Daily
- WECT Investigates: Top executives at CFCC say President Jim Morton has created toxic culture — Ann McAdams
- Archive of reporting on CFCC (WHQR, WECT, Port City Daily) from 2018-2023