Appalachian State University made the 2013 list of "The 10 Worst Colleges for Free Speech." Here's the citation:
Earlier this year, the Appalachian State University (ASU) Board of Trustees denied an appeal from Professor Jammie Price after she was disciplined for discussing controversial but relevant subjects in her spring 2012 “Introduction to Sociology” course. The discipline stemmed from in-class comments she made regarding then-recent allegations of sexual assault involving ASU athletes. Additionally, she was punished for screening a documentary about the effect of pornography on culture and relationships. Without a fair hearing, Price was suspended from teaching, banned from parts of campus, and prohibited from speaking publicly about her case. After an investigation, she was allowed to teach only under extensive oversight and with “sensitivity training.” Despite criticism of its handling of Price’s case from FIRE, the school’s Faculty Due Process Committee, and the Faculty Grievance Hearing Committee, ASU has refused to overturn its punishment of Price. As a result, ASU has sent a clear message to its professors that their jobs are safe only so long as they don’t discuss controversial subjects in their classrooms. Academic freedom remains in peril as long as Price’s unjust punishment is allowed to stand.
4 comments:
If the NC General Assembly has its way, you can expect this attitude statewide. This attitude is why ASU will always be second or third-rate as a university, and by the time the crowd in Raleigh is through, so will all the rest of the public colleges in NC.
The administration at App does not promote academics. But App is in a state that absolutely loathes education. A huge loss for the state.
You guys are funny. How many states spend a bigger portion of their state budget on education?
I am pleased that Dr. Price had the opportunity to return to the classroom (with all of the associated rights and responsibilities). I would , however, hope that she took the time to review the job description that was given to her when she interviewed for the position. I'm sure that it didn't say that she was free to stray from her syllabus so she could be perceived as young, "hip" and "in the know." By doing that she cheated her students (the customers) from receiving the lectures for which they paid. If she wishes to impart her personal opinions then, perhaps, she could invite them to her home for informal displays of wisdom and "hipness!" Maybe even show a video!
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