“I do not expect the decision to be that harsh,” said one of the students, Em Santos.
She said she appreciates the role of Fernandez in the reaffirmation of the college’s accreditation.
Her classmates, who declined to be identified, also expressed their “disappointment” with the board’s decision.
“Their decision to suspend the president may affect the accreditation of the college,” one of them said.
But NMC Criminal Justice Student Organization president Tony Benavente, in a statement, said “suspending her is a reasonable decision for the purpose of finding more grounds whether the allegations against her are really true…. They need to have solid findings to prove whether she committed any violations.”
He said the board has to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt before it can permanently remove Fernandez.
But he believes that the renewal or nonrenewal of personnel contracts should remain the NMC president’s prerogative.
Other students lauded the board’s decision.
“It’s good to know that even for the meantime, the instructors will not fear of not being renewed,” one of them said.
He added that the board should look at the possibility of removing Fernandez completely.
Meanwhile, an online campaign against Fernandez has been launched on Facebook.
The online group called “Carmen Fernandez of NMC Must Resign” was created by Rich Vaughn, a former NMC student.
