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"Measuring graduation rates is indeed a charade. Yes, some programs have a “respectable” rate of graduating athletes, but these grads often take gut courses, major in fields that have little academic rigor (coaching, general studies), and are placed in courses taught by profs who wouldn’t recognize an academic standard if it slept in their bed. The whole enterprise ought to be called academic gerrymandering."
—Gary
NCAA Imposes Stiffer Penalties for Academic Performance of Midlevel Division I Teams
U. of Nevada at Reno, Facing Dozens of Lawsuits, Spends Big on Outside Legal Help
The university, which says most of the complaints are meritless, has spent about $1.7-million on lawyers to help in just four of the cases.
Canadian Panel to Investigate University's Halting of Controversial Research
The university had approved a study of assisted suicides, but changed its mind after getting legal opinions.
Dispute Over Academic Freedom Roils Turkish-Studies Institute
Some scholars say the Turkish government forced a professor to resign from a research center’s board because of his views on the massacre of Armenians in 1915.
U. of Evansville President Arrested on Drunken-Driving Charges
In a statement released today by the university, Stephen G. Jennings acknowledged making “a very serious mistake” and apologized.
Petitions Are Filed for Arizona and Nebraska Referenda on Affirmative Action
The backers of a similar measure in Colorado filed petitions months ago, but legal challenges may complicate such campaigns.
Darwin Defeated in the Bayou: Louisiana Encourages 'Critical Thinking' About Evolution | 88
ACLU Complains About Noon-Meal Prayers at Naval Academy | 77
Columbia U. Fires Teachers College Professor Accused of Rampant Plagiarism | 61
U. of Phoenix's Report on Students' Progress Is 'Disingenuous,' Critic Says | 49
Student Who Died at Professor's Home Suffered a Drug Overdose | 47
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May 24, 2006
Little Churchills Are All Over Academe, Report Says
The American Council of Trustees and Alumni has issued a report that says outspoken professors who defy balanced course curricula and transmit their own political agendas to students are more common than might be believed. The report, called “How Many Ward Churchills?,” says that Mr. Churchill—the University of Colorado professor of ethnic studies who likened some victims of the World Trade Center attack to “little Eichmanns” and who just last week was found to have committed research misconduct (The Chronicle, May 17)—is not an anomaly.
Anne D. Neal, the council’s president, says a study of university and faculty Web sites turned up several examples of courses in which professors used their classrooms as “platforms for propaganda, sites of sensitivity training, and launching pads for political activisim.” The report says universities should not punish professors for what they say but should “expose them” and “invite them to debate ideas,” while ensuring that students have access to a wide range of “intellectual diversity” on their faculties.
Posted on Wednesday May 24, 2006 | Permalink |
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