I read this in the Agnet e-newsletter this morning.
lester
GUELPH PROFESSOR OWED A PUBLIC APOLOGY
Monday February 14, 2000
The Toronto Star
A15
Karen Wendling, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of
Guelph, writes that in a Feb. 4 letter, Iain Campbell, provost and the
vice-president (academic) at the University of Guelph, says: "Along with the
right of academic freedom ... there comes responsibility," which includes
that professors "indicate that (their) degrees and subsequent expertise lie
in a particular field"
Campbell was also cited as saying that "the word 'unethical' was not the
best choice of words" on the part of dean of agriculture Rob McLaughlin, who
criticized professor Ann Clark for her paper arguing that the research on
the safety of genetically engineered foods listed on Health Canada's Web
site is inadequate (University dismisses modified food study, Jan. 19)
Let's apply Campbell's reasoning to his and McLaughlin's statements. Are
they speaking about matters in their own areas of expertise?
In particular, are they qualified to say what constitutes "academic
freedom," "(academic) responsibility" or "unethical" behaviour on the part
of professors?
These are ethical and political judgements. Do either Campbell or
McLaughlin have degrees or expertise in the areas of ethics, applied ethics
or political philosphy?
In a democratic society, professors have a right as citizens to voice thier
concerns about issues that affect the public. Clark has every right to use
her university affiliation on her paper - as, by the way, Campbell did in
his leter, and McLaughlin did in The Star's Jan. 19 article.
Wendling says she wishes the University of Guelph and its administrators
would acknowledge this and they owe Clark a clear and public apology.
... AND HERE IT IS
Monday February 14, 2000
The Toronto Star
A15
Rob McLaughlin, Dean, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph
writes that the University of Guelph Faculty Association has asked that I
respond publicly to issues raised by the Jan. 19 article, University
Dismisses Modified Food Study. My concern was not, and is not, with
professor Ann Clark's opinion of Canada's food regulatory system.
Every citizen of Canada is entitled to his or her opinion and every
professosr at Guelph has the right, through academic freedom, to make his or
her views on any topic freely known without fear of recrimination from
university administration.
My comment about Clark's "unethical" behaviour was not prompted by the
nature of her remarks, where she made them, to whom they were directed nor
to the fact that she made them at all. The issue for me does not relate to
her academic freedom. Rather, my comments referred to a perception that she
might not have adequately identified her area of expertise or made it clear
that her opinions and research did not represent the university.
Issues surrounding genetically modified foods and the Canadian regulatory
system are extremely critical to Canada's future ability to participate in a
global marketplace.
It is absolutely imperative that those of us from universities who engage in
this debate do so fairly and with full disclosure. This is a responsibility
that comes with the privilege of academic freedom.
Nevertheless, McLaughlin says he owes Clark an apology. Use of the word
"unethical" was inappropriate. He well understands that his comments could
be perceived by her and others to challenge her academic freedom, and this
was most surely not my intent.
It was also inappropriate for me to convey my concerns through the press. I
recognize that, as a member of our academic community, I have a duty to
follow university policies and, McLaughlin says, he was wrong to comment
publicly
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