We are outraged at the ridiculous comments by what once might have been an "influential" or "prestigious" American Association of University Professors. Where is any article explaining who the pseudo-intellectual members of this body are?
Only a fool would now believe that they exist to protect academic freedom. Their true raison d'etre is: tenure at any cost, no matter what is right or wrong.
The group's condemning of USF demonstrates the morally bankrupt state of a small minority of professors and illustrates the biblical wisdom: "Be careful not to dig a pit for someone else, you may fall into it yourself." Instead of reflecting badly on USF, the AAUP has lost all credibility and will be on its way out of existence.
-- Duane and Jill Rommel, Oldsmar
A case of liberal obstruction
Who are these pompous "professors" to condemn or censure USF's decision to fire Sami Al-Arian? Al-Arian is accused of funneling money to an avowed terrorist group. Do they think this is appropriate behavior for a "tenured professor"? He will have his day in court, but we cannot stand idly by as foreigners, people to whom we have extended the privilege of living and working in our communities, plot and support terrorism.
As a university professor, Al-Arian has been seen and heard supporting Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Free speech is a right, "tenure" is not. We, the citizens, have every right to expect our universities and colleges to remove these cancers from our midst. This is simply obstruction from the usual liberal suspects. I support Judy Genshaft and USF's decision to fire Al-Arian and anyone else who supports terror. We are at war, whether or not the AAUP realizes it. It is time for them to come down from their "ivory towers"!
-- Allen Peck, Largo
AAUP is being consistent and creative
Re: USF rebuke falls short of censure.
I find the "condemnation" by the American Association of University Professors both consistent and creative. Let me use the experience of Saint Leo College (now University) to illustrate.
In December 1986, the college's administration, observing all terms of its contract with its faculty union (a member of the Florida Teachers Association), notified a professor that her contract would not be renewed at the end of the current academic year. She appealed to the faculty union, claiming sex discrimination. Its review committee voted 4-1 in support of the administration's action. Upon my arrival as president in February 1987, she appealed again to me. After reviewing her case, I also endorsed her termination for legitimate cause.
Upon leaving the college, the professor filed a sexual discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and subsequently with the AAUP. The former decided against her; the latter called for another hearing and review. The president of the college's faculty union testified at this hearing against the professor's charge. Eventually, the AAUP informed us that we would likely be - and subsequently were - censured for not notifying the terminated professor of nonrenewal in October rather than December 1986. Our options to avoid censure were to re-employ the professor or pay her a year's salary. Each year thereafter I was asked to take action to remove the AAUP's censure by paying the organization $20,000.
All of this became much clearer when, near the end of my tenure at Saint Leo College, I worked briefly with a gentleman who was much more experienced with AAUP. Pursuing a doctorate in higher education administration, he did an internship with the AAUP. After serving on one of its review committees, he wrote its report, which was favorable to the university. His superior directed him to rewrite it, since "We always find in favor of the faculty member."
In the University of South Florida's "condemnation," I see the AAUP's being consistent with its negative pronouncements and creative in establishing a new category. Would a censure, its usual response, sound too supportive in the public's eye of an alleged terrorist?
-- Monsignor Frank Mouch, retired president, Saint Leo College, Wesley Chapel
Tenure presents problems
Re: USF rebuke falls short of censure.
Your article regarding the American Association of University Professors' potential censure of the University of South Florida exemplifies what's wrong with today's education systems. One of our problems is tenure.
In my opinion, tenure puts these professors and others with tenure above the requirements of conduct, morality, quality or adherence to pre-established curriculum. They might even get away with on-the-job senility. In other words, they are "fireproof."
No industry could survive with fireproof executives espousing and directing inconsistent, contrary leadership. More important, these professors have the power to downgrade or fail students who don't agree or test according to their point of view.
Understandably, the AAUP likes its tenure arrangement. Most of its members will do whatever they can to anyone who threatens their power. Personally, I think USF president Judy Genshaft's efforts were refreshing and commendable.
-- Alva (Al) Brown, St. Petersburg
Al-Arian deserves a speedy trial
Re: Ashcroft's America, editorial, June 12.
Early this year, University of South Florida professor Sami Al-Arian was indicted on charges of supporting terrorism and is now held without bail in solitary confinement at the Coleman Correctional Facility in Sumter County. The indictment was announced with great fanfare by Attorney General John Ashcroft at a nationally televised press conference.
Al-Arian has requested a speedy trial, which is his right. But now the Justice Department says it cannot proceed with the trial until 2005, despite the fact that it has been monitoring Al-Arian's activities for more than 10 years.
If the government is sincere about its indictment and Al-Arian is considered dangerous enough to be held without bail in solitary confinement, the government should move ahead with a speedy trial. Otherwise they should release Al-Arian on bail until they get their story together.
-- Joseph A. Mahon, St. Petersburg
Why deny helpful medication?
Re: State says no to "miracle" drug, June 12.
The people in the state who make these decisions need to live a day in the shoes of the kids who benefit from taking Strattera. As a mother of a child who is benefiting greatly from this medication, I have great empathy for Tammy Blevins. I've been down the road of stimulants, behavior modification and other medications to deal with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Fortunately, my insurance company covers this medication, just not as a preferred medication, so I still have to pay more than for other medications, although not full price.
The insurance system and government are trying to force parents into making the choice of putting their children on methamphetamines (speed) or paying out of their own pockets to help their children. When my child was on "stimulants," I never told him exactly what they were, only that they would help him focus. He kept telling me he could feel every cell in his body moving, not to mention several other extreme side effects.
The stimulants they are trying to force her to give her kids are medications that junkies on the streets will pay money for; this should tell people something.
Our government and insurance companies will pay for a medication like Viagra, but won't pay for Strattera to help those who need the most help.The powers that be should try spending a day with children with ADHD who are not taking medication because the only option is giving them stimulants. It wouldn't take long to get the laws changed.
-- Janine Pabst, Clearwater
Juneteenth: another independence day
I am writing to promote a little recognized, but very significant day in American history called Juneteenth. Many people are not aware of the significance of this date in our nation's history.
Juneteenth, or June 19, 1865, is considered the date when slaves in America were freed. On this day, Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, almost 21/2 years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This proclamation was ignored by states that had seceded from the Union. As a result, about 800,000 slaves were unaffected by it.
Juneteenth is the "true" Independence Day for African-Americans. Although African-Americans participate in Fourth of July events, it is important to realize that they did not obtain independence on this day. On July 4, 1776, African-Americans were slaves. They could not vote, own property, and in many cases, they were separated from their families.
Juneteenth symbolizes the freedom and independence for African-Americans and represents a historical reminder of the triumph of the abolishment of slavery. It honors ancestors who fought for freedom and justice and the end of an era of incomprehensible oppression.
While Americans understand the significance and importance of the Fourth of July, they should also understand the importance of what Juneteenth represents to African-Americans. These two events in American history symbolize the same thing: freedom and independence.
-- Joseph D. Murphy, Oldsmar
The tragedy of television
The greatest tragedy to strike the human race was not the black plague, or the World Wars, or nature run amok.
The greatest harm to civilization is the fun, pleasure and propaganda of the one-eyed monster in nearly every home in America, television. It devours brains, culture, pride, decency, morality and intelligence.
We are unable to live without this visual thumb-sucking pacifier as it destroys our schools, our children and our sense of decency.
Our young are misled and controlled by the sinister unseen censors in our media who use "the laugh track" to lead our young to a vulgar, dismal future. Millions of fatherless children are born every year. What does the future hold for these children? What will they think of their mothers? Family life, which sustained civilization since the dawn of time, now is in dire peril.
Television could have been a great gift to mankind. It could have enriched and inspired greatness, and offered intelligence. It could have brought decency and pride to our young. I am afraid the Pied Piper of Hamlin is alive and well on Madison Avenue and in Hollywood.
-- Frank Branca, Hudson
A modest notion
Re: Of prom night and piety, June 10.
In the interesting story about the prom for Muslim girls, Fatima Haque's comment was thoughtful and mature. When she wore her modest head covering, "I noticed a big difference in the way guys talked. . . . I guess they had more respect."
Hmmm. Maybe modesty, with or without a head covering, should be promoted more widely today. What a concept!
-- K.C. Techler, Pinellas Park
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