John Cheney-Lippold, a tenured American and digital studies associate professor at the University of Michigan refused to write a letter of recommendation for a student wanting to study in Israel.
The University has launched disciplinary proceedings against Cheney-Lippold. In an Oct 3rd letter, published in the Detroit News, Elizabeth Cole, the acting dean of UM’s College of Literature, Science and the Arts wrote:
"Your conduct has fallen far short of the University’s and College’s expectations for how LSA faculty interact with and treat students...This letter is a strong warning that your behavior in this circumstance was inappropriate and will not be tolerated."
"In the future, a student's merit should be your primary guide for determining how and whether to provide a letter of recommendation. You are not to use student requests for recommendations as a platform to discuss your personal political beliefs."
According to information obtained through a FOIA request, the Detroit News reported that Cheney-Lippold
will not get a merit raise during the 2018-19 academic year and can't go on his upcoming sabbatical in January or another sabbatical for two years... He could also face additional discipline, up to and including dismissal, if a similar incident occurs in the future.
Since then, it has been reported that Lucy Peterson, a graduate student instructor at the university also denied a student a letter of recommendation for study in Israel.
2 comments:
that's it, hit em in their wallets and purses where it really hurts. some welcomed news given that i'm flying to Detroit next week and i'll be sure to pack my IDF t-shirt and wear it with pride where ever i go. especially in Ann Arbor.
Go, Shlomo! Finally a just outcome. Now this grad student teaching assistant should lose her job. Hopefully this is the first of many victories for our side. Thanks to AMCHA and Tammi Rossman Benjamin!
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