Teacher Intimidation

[Truth be Told]

As a relative newcomer to the Academy, I used to think that the disenchantment with the way things are run had to be coming from a small number of grumpy, ill-intentioned faculty. I no longer think that. I have heard too many credible reports from colleagues I know and trust about ways in which teachers have been ignored and silenced.

The latest administrative tactic with teachers who speak out is to haul them into meetings on pretexts and tell them straight out that they are to be quiet. They are told that they may not say anything critical of administrative actions–they may only praise them. They then receive reprimand letters telling them they face probation if they do not do as they are told.

Morale among the faculty could not be worse–that’s why it is terribly discouraging for Mr. Honegger to say to us that the leadership team has the board’s full support and approval. What about the rest of us? It is absurd to think that a handful of administrators are right and the majority of faculty members are wrong.

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