Academic VP fires Father Bruno in Italy

FLORENCE, Italy - Another protest took place in Florence yesterday. Only this time, protesters were not Italians opposing war in Iraq. They were Gonzaga-in-Florence students responding to a decision made by a Gonzaga administrator. In response to word that Dr. Steven Freedman, Academic Vice-President, had dismissed Father Bruno Segatta, a stunned and angry student body congregated at 9 a.m. in the main lobby of the Antinori Palace, where students attend classes.   Donning homemade T-shirts and carrying posters emblazoned with supporting statements for Segatta, students waited for Freedman to address students. They read letters of support, clapped, cheered and sang songs that Segatta taught to them.   In response to the student protests, Florence administrators seemed unsurprised. "I would have predicted that the students would have reacted in this manner," said Rev. Anthony Via, S.J., Dean of the Gonzaga-in-Florence program. "And I thought I made that clear to Dr. Freedman." At 11 a.m. Freedman, who had been visiting Florence for five days to evaluate the program, emerged from Father Via's office with Segatta. Students then moved into a classroom, where the three men faced them. Freedman began his address by greeting the students and then explaining that changes would be taking place in Florence. "A new Dean is vital to the success of the Gonzaga-in-Florence program," said Freedman. He then explained that he and Father Bruno came to a "mutual decision" in deciding that Segatta's position would be replaced by Dec. 31. "Our conversations have been healthy, amicable and productive about what is best for the program," said Freedman. Freedman then asked Segatta to say a few words about the decision. Segatta opened with a greeting, but then became too emotional to continue to speak, and exited the room. In response to his exit, many students began to cry and initiate an interrogation of Freedman. Mostly, students seemed concerned about whether Segatta had actually contributed to the decision to "move on." Ultimately, Freedman stated that the decision was his own, but strongly re-asserted that it was reached in mutual agreement with Segatta. "These were decisions we arrived at together," Freedman stated. "Today was an emotional time for both of us." Freedman stated that the decision was made for the "best interest of the institution." Outraged students questioned how Freedman could know the best interest of the institution after having spent less than a week in Florence. "Look at the students right now," said student Sean Dwyer, as he glanced at his peers, many of whom were crying and obviously distressed. "Are you telling me this is what is best for them?" Other students exclaimed that they felt the administration has not been listening to their concerns and their praise for Segatta and Via. "We spoke to you about Bruno and Via and how they have been essential to the program; yet, I am not convinced that anything that we have told you has contributed to the decision-making process," said Preston Anonuevo. "Where was the breach in communication?" Eventually Segatta re-entered the room, where he spoke to the students. He expressed that the Gonzaga-in-Florence program will be undergoing many changes, which seemingly differ with his philosophies.   "It's time to go," Segatta said. "Not because of what I see, but because of the bigger picture that Spokane sees." Segatta also stated that he intends to apply to work for other study-abroad programs. Students began to question the future of the program without Segatta. They questioned who would replace him and what effect that would have. "You cannot impose upon a new man what I created, because he is a new man," said Segatta. Freedman attempted to address the student's concerns, but after an hour an a half, students became frustrated, expressing that they believed he was evading their questions and being non-responsive. "I don't feel like you're listening to us," student Abby Nelson said to Freedman. "I just want to say, to Via and Bruno, we love you." With that, all of the students stood up and exited the room.