I don't know about you, but I've been keeping up with the Madonna Constantine case. It seems she is once again the victim of a racially motivated attack. Actually this attack began before the noose appeared on her doorknob. Apparently a plagiarism investigation has concluded that over two-dozen times she stole from her colleagues and even from the dissertation of her own student. In response to the findings, professor Constantine noted the "structural racism that pervades" Teachers College and said "As one of the only two tenured black women full professors at Teachers College, it pains me to conclude that I have been specifically and systematically targeted." Professor Constantine didn't explain how she reached her conclusion, but since she studies racial and diversity issues, I'm sure she has good reasons.
In fact, Professor Constantine's lawyer suggested that the college itself may have placed the noose on her doorknob as a way to intimidate her. It's so sad that even a college that most would consider to be "ultra liberal" uses such overtly racist tactics against the few minority faculty that they hire.
The Educational Psychology department at UIUC sent professor Constantine a letter of support after the noose was found on her doorknob. An e-mail was sent by professor Jim Hannum encouraging students to sign the letter to show her our support. I feel so bad that I didn't sign it. I hope the department sends her another letter, I will be the first to sign!
You can read more in the New York Post story and the New York Times story
University Diaries had an interesting take on Constantine's story: http://www.margaretsoltan.com/?p=3562
I'm a little suspicious about some of her claims.
"I'm a little suspicious about some of her claims."
Gee, ya think?
OK, I didn't catch the sarcasm in the original post at first and was trying to tread carefully. This reminds me a little of the swastika incident at George Washington U:
http://media.www.gwhatchet.com/media/storage/paper332/news/2007/11/08/News/University.Freshman.Drew.Swastikas-3087938.shtml
i think that the professor is innocent. She is being punished for trying to expose institutional racism. I am sure CU lost tons of donor dollars after the noose incident. She fighting a hell of a battle with the old white boys club. They out number her but she has a strong following. Dr. C does not strike me as the type that would lie about silly things. She seems really smart and sharp. Too bad Columbia University is non accepting of gifted and talented Black woman. She probably makes her colleagues feel like dodo. In an effort to regain their status they attack. This story is a no brainer.
Yeah, especially the parts about plagiarism bit. That's the part that really swings me over to her side.
I mean, it's a tough world. Sometimes you just need to steal the intellectual work of others in order to pass yourself off as competent, wouldn't you agree?
Kem
All the best managers do, justkem; don't you read Dilbert?
:-)
HG
Heh. Scott Adams is a personal hero of mine... brilliant stuff.
On the one hand, I acknowledge that the hallowed halls of Academia are just like any other work environment. On the other, I'm young and naive and want teachers to hold themselves to the same Honor Code that they expect from their students.
Maybe time will help... I'll grow more cynical, and then I'll understand women like Professor Constantine a little better. All that oppression-- it must be terrible.
Kem
i think that the professor is innocent.
How did you reach this speculation ?