Hamline President Announces Resignation Following Religious Controversy

Earlier today, Hamline University President Dr. Fayneese Miller announced plans to retire effective June 2024.

The news comes after the university faced criticism for its handling of a controversial religious incident just months ago.

In January, Hamline Professor Erika López Prater showed her class images of the Prophet Muhammad during an art history lecture. Viewing or creating depictions of any prophet is prohibited according to Islamic belief. The art professor provided a warning on her syllabus but many students believe that wasn’t enough.

After the incident, Hamline—with Dr. Miller at the helm—decided not to renew López Prater’s contract. The decision caused controversy as opponents, including faculty members, believe Dr. Miller shouldn’t have chosen to terminate the professor’s contract, citing academic freedom.

López Prater sued the university shortly after she was let go. The lawsuit is ongoing at present.

During a press conference today, Dr. Miller said of the incident, “Hamline University believes in academic freedom. We believe in free speech. We believe in all of those things, and never has Hamline University violated anyone’s academic freedom.”

However, she continued, “Those who come to us to learn, to be educated, to be able to take advantage of the opportunities that Hamline University provides, need to be respected.”

Dr. Miller has served as the President of Hamline University for the past eight years. She is the university’s first Black President. Before Miller came to Hamline she was the Dean of the College of Education and Social Services at the University of Vermont.

Dr. Miller cited wanting to be closer to her family as a reason for her resignation. However, it is likely the controversy played a large role.

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