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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indianapolis Public Library Board’s choice for a new CEO has declined the job following pushback from community members who favored interim CEO Nichelle Hayes in that role.
The library announced Gabriel Morley had turned down the job in a news release Friday afternoon, less than a day after he was named to the post. The library system said it will soon resume the search for a new CEO. In the interim, Chief Public Services Officer Gregory Hill will serve as acting CEO. Hayes has not been offered the role.
When Morley was announced as the new CEO Thursday evening, two members of the library Board of Trustees expressed dissent and one did not vote. A crowd of about two dozen protested the decision and held a “community vote,” in favor of Hayes.
A library media release Thursday evening indicated that the CEO would accept the offer and start within a week. But after negative reaction, Morley has declined the offer.
“Though it was an honor to be chosen by a majority of the board, it is clear that this is not the right fit for me at this time,” Morley said in a news release. “I am disheartened by the way we have come to this point and decision. I wish IndyPL well in its future endeavors.”
Previously, Morley abruptly resigned from the New Orleans Public Library system in November 2021—less than two years after taking the job—when local media found out he was still living in his home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, instead of taking up residency in New Orleans, a requirement of the job under city ordinances.
“Board members who voted for Dr. Morley understand his decision to decline our offer,” the statement said.
At the Thursday meeting, the board faced accusations from supporters of Hayes that the voice of the community was not heard. Board member Khaula Murtadha said the decision was against what the community had told the library governing body.
Board President Jose Salinas disagreed in a written statement on Friday.
“To those saying that the board did not represent the staff or community, please understand that we received feedback and input from our 15-person search committee that included members from inside the Library and from the community, Library leadership, Library staff, patrons, and other inputs that led us to this decision,” Salinas said. “Dr. Morley earned this offer on his own merit, through his qualifications, and decades of experience. With this news the Library Board will consider how to move forward with another search.”
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This is perfect. It’s clear that the Library has been staffed and led by adult-aged children for years and has devolved into a circular firing squad around various real or perceived political grievances that have absolutely nothing to do with the core functions of a public library system. What an utter disgrace this public agency is these days.
What a joke! Cancel culture wins, but really loses.
The library had a fine CEO who, smears aside, was fired for being the wrong race. You’d think the people who did that would at least be savvy enough to follow through with what they started. When you fire based on race, you might as well go ahead and hire based on race.
Absolutely right. Jackie N was awesome.
This isn’t embarrassing is it!!
I hope the Board stands firm to these outrageous attempts at circumventing what is reported as a thoroughly vetted and HONEST process. It’ll be tough but stand your ground. And please don’t resign or you’ll have given in up this cancel culture nonsense. Btw, did you know…Cancel culture membership requirement: be OUTRAGED when you don’t get your way and DEMAND that your way be chosen. Doesn’t this sound familiar? Think two year olds throwing a temper tantrum. Pitiful and embarrassing for adults.
It does sound familiar! A recent president of the US comes immediately to mind.
This is embarrassing to our entire city. What a shameful disgrace.
Unfortunately, agree
If Hayes has any integrity, she will decline the offer if it comes. Shameful.
Let’s not forget to give full credit to CICF for creating this lovely situation. Nice work, folks!
Khaula Murtadha. Isn’t that a song from The Lion King?
Just another week written Concise article by Taylor… Quickly becoming IBJ’s best.
Hayes should resign. Someone will appreciate her experience.