Apparently the rumors of Sternberg Museum’s demise have become a reality. As an FHSU graduate, Hays resident and father of two children who love Sternberg and will be absolutely heartbroken when we break the news to them, I am beyond words to express my sadness, anger and bewilderment at how FHSU arrived at this decision.
I am not ignorant to FHSU’s very real budgetary concerns but cannot help but feel as though FHSU is assuming myself and the larger Hays community are simply stupid. This all feels very much like a “sorry, not sorry” press release from FHSU administration.
The fact that they announce the closure of a beloved Hays institution, while four days later planning a ribbon cutting on a reported $11.5 million athletic facility tells you all you need to know about FHSU’s “educational values”.
Clearly, if it is important to FHSU, the money can and will be found. Clearly a football locker room and “state-of the-art” athletic facility are more important than exposing hundreds of young children to science and educational opportunities. Before you say, “but the athletic facility was made possible because of donors and fundraising” that is my point exactly.
The potential closure of Sternberg was raised with absolutely no public discussion or discourse. Only through the brave actions of a few Sternberg employees was the public even made aware this was on the table and at no point has FHSU asked for public assistance or fundraising in an attempt to not close the museum.
President Mason continually points the finger to the state legislature and cuts stemming from that body. I instead point the finger directly at her and any/all FHSU administration that had any part of this heavy-handed decision.
I am extremely saddened by their decision but am more upset by their lack of transparency and zero effort in engaging their community to save Sternberg.
At the city council meeting, President Mason urged the community…their community, to advocate for them (FHSU). I personally will have a hard time doing so moving forward.
—Cody Hughes, extremely upset Hays resident and formerly proud FHSU graduate