Dr. Levy has made legitimate points

Submitted by Mark Daniels (United States), May 7, 2012 at 16:44

Dr. Levy is correct about the lack of academic freedom on Slippery Rock university's campus.

The irony is that our immediate past president, Robert M. Smith, has a PhD in communication. Indeed, only official communication is allowed at SRU - expression is tightly controlled on campus, both by students and faculty. The faculty union basically runs the university: the provost is the former president of the union.

"The status quo" is frequently invoked by the administration, as in protecting the status quo. communication is one way, top down. Faculty are treated like school teachers. Then again, some faculty regard themselves as nothing more than school teachers. Conformity is demanded. Those who don't conform are marginalized.

Dr. Levy is one of the best teachers, and by far the best scholar on campus. unfortunately for him, he hasn't "drank the cool aid," he hasn't become a union clone, and is marginalized on campus by union and administrative thugs and goons.

Me? a former professor who just couldn't take it anymore. I have expanded my career, retired early, and am pursuing a more rewarding, intellectually challenging career.

I was once asked by the union president what message I thought the administration was sending faculty, i replied: "Sit down, shut up, do what you are told, and if you have something to say watch your back." "Good advice" was the reply.

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