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Emory's Kommisars

Thread ID: 11398 | Posts: 2 | Started: 2003-12-07

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theaustrian [OP]

2003-12-07 21:39 | User Profile

[url]http://www.emorywheel.com/pages/static/pdfpaper/emorywheel11-14-03.pdf[/url]

Sanctions raise issues of academic rights 4 professors say censure stifles academic speech freedoms

BY ROB MILLER Arts & Living Editor

Four faculty have risen to the defense of an anthropology professor, writing a letter to Emory'ss president arguing that the University'ss censure of the professor amounts to “a violation of academic freedom and of the rights of individuals.” The letter defends Samuel C. Dobbs Professor of Anthropology Carol Worthman, who used the phrase “six niggers in a woodpile” during a department meeting Sept. 15. Worthman, who is white, made the comment in reference to her being a minority within the anthropology department because her specialty, comparative human biology, is quite rare. The letter, written by Professor of Philosophy Ann Hartle, who is also president of the Georgia chapter of the National Association of Scholars, and cosigned by three other faculty members, was delivered to University President James W. Wagner late Tuesday afternoon. The letter said, “Professor Worthman's remark is clearly protected under the principle of academic freedom.” The letter did not address whether Worthman's comments were racist, but argues against University action. It was sent a day before a large group of mostly black students met in Harland Cinema, many of whom agreed that the use of the word “nigger” by a professor was unacceptable under any condition. Wagner has not officially responded to the letter, but said he has seen “the text of the letter and will be considering [the position described in the letter].” He added that there are two issues that need to be discussed: how to deal with Worthman's comment and what it means for the broader community. He also said that a balance is needed between freedom of speech and possible insensitive expression of opinion. “I think it's a helpful discussion to have,” Wagner said. Worthman could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Hartle defined academic freedom as the freedom to inquire and communicate about one's discipline and the ability to teach unconstrained by political or social considerations. “We're talking about the freedom to exchange ideas without external constraints,” she said. “I think most of what goes on in a university would go under that umbrella of academic freedom.” But Robert Ethridge, vice president of Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, said Worthman's comment was not permissible. “The statement did not seem....

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Faust

2003-12-08 03:46 | User Profile

austrian,

Great Post. Welcome to the Forum.