Wayne State University Press Drama Continues...

Is this one of those institutional indemnification issues?

Sounds like it, but, hey, what do I know?

Whiplash: Fired WSU Press Managers Regain Jobs In Odd Saga's Latest Twist

Sales and marketing director Emily Nowak (top), editor Annie Martin (left)
 and design/production manager Kristin Harpster return Tuesday.

Calling this a bumpy month at WSU Press would be like saying roller coasters have a few ups and downs.

As we posted just four days ago: "We need a penciled-in lineup card and will keep an eraser handy." Sure enough, three managers fired Feb. 7 will be back next week.

The trio returns Tuesday, their Royal Oak lawyer tells The Detroit News:

Jennifer McManus said after talks with her and university officials, editor-in-chief Annie Martin; design and production manager Kristin Harpster; and sales/marketing director Emily Nowak were offered their jobs back.

They accepted and "are really happy to return," McManus told The Detroit News. "They really believe in the authors they work with and they didn't want to let those people down." ...

McManus said the university has not apologized or given a reason for the firings, which prompted outcry from the publishing house's editorial board as well as others who demanded the staffers be reinstated.

A Wayne State spokesman tells reporter Kim Kozlowski that Kathryn Wildfong, the publishing division's recently rehired interim director, is "empowered to make personnel decisions in the best interest of the Press."

This comes just a week after WSU President M. Roy Wilson said in a "Dear Colleagues" letter: "We have already begun the search process for these positions and hope to fill them quickly."

WSU Press, founded in 1941, issues about three dozen general interest and academic books annually. It also publishes 11 journals each year.

Previously in the saga:

WSU Press Provokes Authors' Backlash by Abruptly Firing These 3 Leaders, Feb. 11

WSU Press Staff Shakeup Rattles Author of May Book: 'I See How Devastating it Is', Feb. 14

New Twist: WSU Press Takes Another Turn In A Rapid-Turnover Month, Feb. 18

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Did Rochelle Riley Become The Burden For Wayne State University Press?

I wonder if it has anything to do with that crap Rochelle Riley published about my Sweetie.

Meet Detroit Paid Segregationist Rochelle Riley - Co-Conspirator Meanie Who Bleachbits The Legacy Of Conyers

That University Press has a history of publishing crap, then making the students pay ridiculous amounts of money for the textbooks. 

Particularly child welfare crap, but hey, what do I know?

I know there are individuals associated with this institution who just so happen to hate my guts as I am such "The Burden".

Hey, Rochelle, have a great day!

via GIPHY

Wayne State president weighs in on university press overhaul

Roy Wilson

Detroit — After a shakeup at Wayne State University Press last week, President M. Roy Wilson intervened Friday to detour speculation, saying the school has no intention of dismantling or discontinuing its work.

A week ago, three managers of the University Press were terminated including the press's editor-in-chief. The decision was "reached only after careful and deep consideration at every level," according to a statement to the faculty editorial board, which was obtained by The News.

Wayne State Press is located in the center of campus at, 4809 Woodward Ave, Detroit.

The decision faced backlash online and 60 writers, reviewers and scholars signed an open letter insisting that the University Press immediately reinstate the three managers: editor-in-chief Annie Martin; Kristin Harpster, a design and production manager; and sales and marketing director Emily Nowak.

The letter stated it "is a breach of trust with the authors who have built relationships and served as ambassadors of the press in the academic and wider community ... moreover, these decisions will undermine the ability of Wayne State Press to recruit and serve scholars and writers at all stages of the publication process."

Wilson reviewed the actions taken by the University Press "and while it is inappropriate to discuss personnel matters publicly, I understand the rationale behind them," he said.

In a letter to colleagues, he said the university intends to support the University Press' mission and have already begun the search process to fill the positions quickly. In the meantime, Tara Reeser will continue as interim director of the WSU Press.

The University Press has been a leading publisher of Great Lakes books, Judaica, and African American studies since 1941. The Press, which is located in the center of campus on Woodward Avenue, publishes approximately 40 new books and 11 journals per year.

"Additionally, to ensure we meet our contractual obligations, we are exploring outside contractual services to provide support as necessary," he said.

Wilson ordered the University Press to begin reporting to his office through his chief of staff, Michael Wright, who also leads WDET and is vice president of marketing and communications for the university.

"As I mentioned in response to concerns expressed earlier this week, the mission of the WSU Press — 'generating high-quality scholarly and general interest works of global importance' — remains intact. And the work of the press — especially the timeless art of publishing scholarly, necessary and interesting books — continues. I appreciate your work and support during this time of transition."

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