Lawrence Biondi - General Criticism

General Criticism

Biondi has been a controversial figure. When asked about his approach to leadership for accomplishing his bold vision, Biondi has said he is a "my-way-or-the-highway kind of guy." He has been criticized by members of Saint Louis University's student body for decisions related to student organizations, housing, and a lack of accessibility and accountability. Other complaints have arisen around decisions such as banning the Vagina Monologues from campus, and restricting other student organization events and activities. Concerns have been raised about Biondi's handling of bias incidents and diversity concerns, as well as issues related to sexual assault, on campus.

In 2004, a St. Louis newspaper described Biondi as "SLU's No Confidence Man." Centering on issues about shared governance with regard to an increase in parking fees, SLU's Student Government Association passed a motion of no confidence in Biondi on March 30, 1999. During the same period, SLU's Faculty Senate tabled but did not vote on a motion of no confidence in Biondi. In addition, student and faculty governance bodies at SLU threatened but did not finally act upon no-confidence measures in Biondi in 2002, 2004, 2009, and 2010. The faculty did pass such a motion in 2012. The reasons given included violations of shared governance, declining academic rankings, low alumni giving, a stagnant endowment, and "a pervasive culture of fear." SLU's Student Government Association voted no-confidence in Biondi and Patankar the following day.

The votes came after turmoil in the university's school of law. In August 2012, its dean, Dr. Annette Clark, resigned in protest over Biondi's transfer of more than $800,000 from the law school to The President's Opportunity Fund as well as disputes about the funding academic research. Biondi and other SLU administrators said that they had intended to fire Clark before her resignation.