SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — A recent vote by the Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) Board of Trustees on Monday drew criticism from community members.
The board recently approved a $3 million lawsuit settlement over allegations of human trafficking as part of the university’s J1 visa program, which no longer exists. Monday’s meeting was the first opportunity for public comment on the settlement since it was approved April 24.
Local businessman Dave Bernstein was one of three people to speak to the board about the issue. He said there is concern in the community about where the $3 million is coming from, adding that taxpayers deserve to know.
Bernstein called for transparency about the settlement, adding that a re-examination and reorganization are warranted.
“Despite everything you’ve discussed here, I actually think the issue is the elephant in the room, the elephant in the community. I’m the only one here,” Bernstein said. “I don’t think this problem is going to go away without massive soul-searching and action.”
“This was not a business decision,” said former WITCC instructor Roseanne Plante. “I believe, as I have heard from others, that this was a decision to calm the situation, and I agree that it tarnishes this organization.”
Bernstein called WITCC a “great institution” that is very important to the community, but added that the events surrounding the settlement have tarnished the university’s reputation.
KCAU 9 asked the board for a response to its concerns and was told there was no comment.
