IU Faculty Letter in Support of Professor Abdulkader Sinno
Comments
#608
It is objectively absurd to suspend a faculty member on the basis given. The suspension was in addition in violation of the University's own procedures, which is unethical. Furthermore, it seems abundantly clear that the real motivation for the suspension, to signal conformity to pressure from powerful interests opposed to providing a forum for speech by certain student groups, has nothing to do with the nominal reason offered. This is clearly immoral and dishonest, and it is terrible example for our students, who look to us to set the highest standards of moral conduct. The University must follow its own procedures, and our administrators must furthermore resist external pressure to suppress voices that politicians and others in positions of power wish to silence. Finally, I am afraid that this single act and what it represents has caused me to lose confidence in Vice Provost Docherty and President Whitten.Kirk Ludwig (Bloomington, 2024-01-10)
#630
Without strong protections for free speech in the university community, the value of our university to society is greatly diminished.Gerald Wright (Bloomington, 2024-01-10)
#640
I support free speech concerning Palestine and object to the suspension of Prof Abdulkader SinnoSuzanne Stetkevych (WASHINGTON, 2024-01-10)
#658
An authoritarian regime has no place at a university or anywhere else for that matterGinette Delandshere (Bloomington, 2024-01-10)
#663
Look back to the administration of Herman Wells. When Kinsey published his book on human sexuality, legislature was threatening the university’s funding. President Wells stood up to the legislatire and the rest his history. This is a national problem, and university administrators across the country have failed to do their duty as representatives of the faculty. Instead of they should be on the bully, pulpit, saying, what’s it stake.Jack Cummings (Bloomington, 2024-01-10)
#678
Regardless of one's position on Israel/Palestine, this is a violation of academic freedom and shared governance.Christopher Lubienski (BLOOMINGTON, 2024-01-11)
#702
I thought Indiana University was better than this. The penalty is clearly way out of proportion to the transgression here. Fortunately, as several comments noted, Indiana University administration ought to be able to take note and correct themselves on this. I hope we will all follow up and see if that really happens... I'm disappointed to hear about this matter.Gerard Visser (Bloomington, 2024-01-11)
#723
As a former professor at IU, I am shocked by the university’s disregard for free speech and academic freedom, especially at a time when atrocities are being carried out in Gaza.Patrick Bray (Oxford, 2024-01-11)
#733
I strongly support Prof. Sinno's rightsDavid Waterman (Chapel Hill, 2024-01-11)
#760
Clear violation of due process.Roger Morris (Bloomington, 2024-01-11)
#771
Though I do not know Dr. Sinno personally, the steps taken to admonish him for his actions were taken without any thought to due process. The idea that this could happen to a credentialed professor means it could happen to anyone of us who expresses different viewpoints than those of the university. Remember, if they come after Dr. Sinno, the next person they come after might be you.Marquita Walker (Indianapolis, 2024-01-11)
#780
The suspension of Prof. Sinno s a threat both to academic freedom and the free exercise of First Amendment rights on campus and represents a partisan censure of a pro-Palestinian and pro-peace viewpoint.Jessie Cook (Unionville, 2024-01-11)
#800
I stand in solidarity with members of the academic community who believe in the protection of due process based on university policy and our shared code of ethics. May there be continued dialogue toward peace and understanding.Samantha Eads (Bloomington, 2024-01-11)