571-571 DO YOU HIRE A LAWYER TO FIRE A PROFESSOR?

May I review the sequence? A professor edits and publishes two books. The University commissions an investigation into the professor. Two of his immediate superiors conduct the investigation. Their Reports are sent on to the Vice-President and Provost of the University. The Provost then sends the Reports on to a lawyer hired and paid for by the University. The lawyer prepares a Summary which, on his own confession, 'may differ substantially' from the original Reports. The lawyer then sends his Summary of the Investigation to the lawyer of the Faculty Association who is representing the professor. The two lawyers are now in a position to negotiate the fate of the professor.

The academics have a code they must live up to: tenure, that is the right of an academic to investigate and publish what he wishes without fear of administrative or political repercussions. Two things have become clear in the investigation process. The academics have very skilfully shifted the blame away from themselves. They have got the job done and there is no blood on their hands.