Initially, Oberlin's President, Marvin Krislov, took the principled position regarding this unfortunate person: her anti-Semitic ravings on Facebook are extramural speech within the protection of her contractually guaranteed rights of academic freedom. Unfortunately, the Board of Trustees has forced Krislov to act (I have it on good authority that the pressure came from the Board):
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Dear Oberlin Community Members: In response to recent renewed national media interest in the matter of Professor Joy Karega, I am writing to provide an update to you in advance of any public statement. In March, in consultation with me as President, Oberlin's Board asked the administration and faculty to use its governance processes to review Professor Karega's professional fitness in light of her social media postings. Accordingly, the faculty governance process began and is ongoing. I am committed to continuing and completing an equitable review process. While the process is pending, Professor Karega is on paid leave and will not be teaching at Oberlin. Arrangements are being made to cover her teaching and advising responsibilities. In recognition of the sensitivity of this continuing review process and the privacy of the individuals involved, we will have no other comment until the conclusion of the process. Sincerely, Marvin Krislov President We truly value alumni interest, inquiry, and support and will continue to share official information and updates as they become available. Regards, M. Danielle Young Executive Director Oberlin Alumni Association P.S. For a compilation of Oberlin College statements, articles, and updates related to these issues, visit the Alumni Association's News and Features page.
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Oberlin already had a bad reputation for toleration of free speech on campus; the Board of Trustees must be really naïve if it thinks that would-be student censors are going to recognize an exception to academic freedom only for anti-Semitic speech.
(Thanks to Mark Engleson for the pointer.)
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