Akron Layoffs Include Everyone at University Press

The University of Akron announced a few weeks ago that it would eliminate more than 200 jobs to deal with a budget deficit. As employees losing their jobs were notified this week, it has become clear that the university is eliminating its university press. All employees of the press are among those having their jobs killed, Northeast Ohio Media Group reported. "We have essentially been shut down," said Thomas Bacher, director of the press. "Another blow against culture by a short-sighted administration. It's sad that the university values beans over brains." The press is a small one with a focus on Ohio-related topics, and it also publishes some poetry.

The university layoffs also include all employees of Akron's multicultural center, although the university says that other offices will support the programming offered by the center.

Faculty members have been complaining that the university is refusing to consider cuts to the football program, which loses money and attracts few fans to watch its games.