Editor,
In response to numerous inquiries as to how the University will deal with the remark made one of its professors about the tragic events of Sept. 11, I want people to know that the University will vigorously pursue this matter through its internal disciplinary procedures.
We are, of course, mindful of the First Amendment protection of freedom of speech and recognize that this protection is the foundation for the pursuit of knowledge on every university campus. At the same time, we are equally mindful of the University's and the faculty's guidelines for professional conduct in the classroom.
The University has due process procedures for dealing with disciplinary action related to violations of standards of professional conduct, and we fully intend to pursue these processes in this matter.
The Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure, promulgated by the American Association of University Professors and adopted by the UNM faculty as its policy, specifically addresses classroom teaching by advising faculty to take care "not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter which has no relation to their subject."
With respect to statements made "as citizens," the Statement says that faculty should "exercise appropriate restraint," knowing that the public will judge both their profession and their institution by such remarks. Professors are called upon to "demonstrate respect for students as individuals and adhere to their proper roles as intellectual guides and counselors."
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With regard to teaching, the University's policy on academic freedom and tenure further provides that faculty "demonstrate an ability to interact with students in an encouraging and stimulating manner." Among the personal characteristics faculty are expected to demonstrate are "emotional stability or maturity" as well as "collegiality and interactional skills."
The Policy on Rights and Responsibilities at the University of New Mexico forbids "any other acts or omissions which affect adversely the University's educational function . . . interfere with the rights of others to the pursuit of their education, or affect adversely the processes of the University."
This is a matter of due process, and we will follow the practice that has been in place at UNM and at virtually all other universities for dealing with matters of this sort.
William C. Gordon
UNM President
