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EDITORIAL: Prof Hindley deserves better
Forum | 11/6/07
Posted online at 2:42 AM EST on 11/6/07
The administration conducted a month long investigation into complaints of anonymous students that Prof. Donald Hindley (POL) made racist comments before deciding to place a monitor in the classroom, but judging by the reaction of his students, it seems that the process wasn't exhaustive enough. The bulk of the students in Hindley's Latin American Politics course staged a sit-in in favor of him in front of Bernstein Marcus last Thursday, saying they hadn't been contacted by the University about their professor or any allegedly offensive comments.
The administration needed to be more transparent with students in its decision-making process for penalizing Hindley, and we urge students not to take Provost Marty Krauss' conclusions that Mr. Hindley's remarks were racist too seriously just yet. Until we recieve more information about the exact nature of the charges, we should hold Hindley's 46 years of tenure above mere speculation.
To be fair, accusations of violations of the University's Non-discrimination and Harassment policy must be handled with some level of subtlety. An overly overt process before conclusions are reached could prejudice the reputation of a professor through mere speculation. However, the administration must ensure that such a discovery process is as inclusive and all-encompassing as possible. It does not seem possible to determine the merits of a racist comment without speaking to at least a few of the students in the professor's class.
We are also disappointed that an investigation seemingly proceeded behind Mr. Hindley's back for the better portion of a month, and that Mr. Hindley was only informed a week before the Provost's official letter was sent out. A distinguished professor deserves better treatment.
It is also difficult to know exactly what the procedures taken by the Provost were or are supposed to be because she was unwilling to even comment on them when asked by the student group.
Additionally, in a statement to the Justice, Mr. Hindley implied that other factors such has his stance on Israeli tactics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or a dispute over his salary may have influenced the investigation process.?We find these allegations very disturbing.
The administration needed to be more transparent with students in its decision-making process for penalizing Hindley, and we urge students not to take Provost Marty Krauss' conclusions that Mr. Hindley's remarks were racist too seriously just yet. Until we recieve more information about the exact nature of the charges, we should hold Hindley's 46 years of tenure above mere speculation.
To be fair, accusations of violations of the University's Non-discrimination and Harassment policy must be handled with some level of subtlety. An overly overt process before conclusions are reached could prejudice the reputation of a professor through mere speculation. However, the administration must ensure that such a discovery process is as inclusive and all-encompassing as possible. It does not seem possible to determine the merits of a racist comment without speaking to at least a few of the students in the professor's class.
We are also disappointed that an investigation seemingly proceeded behind Mr. Hindley's back for the better portion of a month, and that Mr. Hindley was only informed a week before the Provost's official letter was sent out. A distinguished professor deserves better treatment.
It is also difficult to know exactly what the procedures taken by the Provost were or are supposed to be because she was unwilling to even comment on them when asked by the student group.
Additionally, in a statement to the Justice, Mr. Hindley implied that other factors such has his stance on Israeli tactics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or a dispute over his salary may have influenced the investigation process.?We find these allegations very disturbing.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Evan List
posted 11/06/07 @ 11:56 AM EST
Professor Hindley was not only my professor for Southeast Asian Politics, but also my adviser and a friend. Professor Hindley has a unique was of connecting with his class. (Continued…)
Noah Klinger
posted 11/08/07 @ 1:31 AM EST
The administration has wanted to get rid of Hindley for a long time. They just needed a phony excuse and here it is.
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