Social media rumors regarding University of the Cumberlands addressed

University of the Cumberlands has been under fire on social media since late last week regarding a number of rumors and allegations surrounding the university’s music department, though the school maintains that the information being circulated is not true.

A variety of posts have been shared across social media, most notably Facebook, calling the university to task for what is described as an “attack” on the school’s fine arts programs, according to a petition formed on Change.org.

“Based upon recent decisions made by the current administration at University of the Cumberlands, it appears that the arts programs at the college are under attack,” the petition states.

Among the allegations against the school—and the one drawing the most ire online—is that faculty members of the UC Music Department were admonished for the pep band being absent at a basketball game due to being away on a pre-planned, pre-approved trip to accept an award. Those faculty members were allegedly given an “improvement plan” that included a requirement to give all athletic-related band activities top priority. However, it is rumored that the faculty members would not agree to the new stipulations, endangering their continued employment.

Other allegations being shared claim that a field used by the marching band was taken away without consulting the music department, that the university removed theater as a primary field of study that students can major in and that the fine arts departments aren’t being properly funded.

The petition, which has nearly 2,300 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon, also alludes to some of those allegations.

“Theatre has been removed as a major, the art department is located in a basement and lacks basic supply needs and the already under-staffed music department has been asked to prioritize athletics over music education,” the petition states.

The News Journal reached out to officials with UC earlier this week regarding the allegations. Many of the questions provided to school officials concentrated on specifics of the accusations being shared on social media, though officials declined to touch on any rumors specifically. Instead, a statement was provided in response, which reads as follows:

University of the Cumberlands is not eliminating any of its fine arts programs. The Music Department will continue to be fully staffed and funded. Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, and all vocal ensembles will continue to operate as they have in the past. All other fine arts programs will continue to operate and be fully funded. In 2019, the Theater program changed to a minor due to a lack of student participation and interest. That program will continue to operate as it has for the past several years.

The university remains committed to providing students with the opportunity to pursue music education and participate in all activities related to the arts on campus.

The university does not comment on personnel issues. Recently vacated faculty positions will be filled, and no faculty positions will be lost within the Music Department.

In relation to the condition of facilities on campus; we are very proud of what we offer all students on campus and feel our campus is second to no other in the state of Kentucky. Most people are very impressed with what they see here.

A similar statement was posted yesterday evening to the University of the Cumberlands Music Department Facebook page signed by David Threlkeld, chair of the music department. Several users have responded to that statement, arguing that it did not actually address any of their concerns from the rumors.

One user commented, “So why are two positions being vacated and need to be filled.” Another user commented, “You know as well as I do that the information being spread was not about the music department being taken off…This is no longer about the music department, this is about being silenced and gaslit into these bizarre situations that an upholding college should not be doing if they had any moral or integrity.” And another user commented, “Sounds like damage control to me.”

Several individuals on social media have also claimed to have voiced their displeasure regarding the allegations via email to school administrators. Contents of the responses received have been shared by multiple users, through both text and screenshots of the email itself. According to those posts, the responses were signed by Jerry Jackson, chancellor at UC, and read in part as follows:

There are a number of rumors and mistruths spreading about the Music Department. I appreciate the opportunity to address some of your concerns. I want to be clear that University of the Cumberlands is not eliminating the Music Department or any of its fine arts programs. Like you, I believe music education is an important component of a well-rounded education. Personnel changes within the Music Department may have caused some uneasiness about the future. However, I can tell you that the university remains committed to providing students with the opportunity to pursue music education. In fact, it is our hope that more students, including those that are non-music majors, are attracted to and able to participate in opportunities within the department.

To view the full contents of the petition, visit www.change.org and select the magnifying glass at the top of the page, In the text field that appears, enter “Save the Arts at University of the Cumberlands.”