A recent controversy regarding a writing assignment in a Metro State English course has attracted media attention, prompting Metro State administrators to remind students that they are encouraged to contact a College official if they believe that their academic freedom is being compromised or that they are being intimidated in some fashion.

The academic responsibilities listed in the 2008-09 College Catalog (p. 71) include the statement that students should “initiate an investigation by contacting the department chair if they believe their academic rights have been violated.”

“Students are responsible for letting the appropriate department chair know, if they believe their rights are being compromised,” says Associate Vice President of Communication and Advancement Cathy Lucas.

“The College will then investigate the complaint and assure that the student is treated fairly, with no repercussions.”

The controversy erupted when an article appeared in the WorldNetDaily on Tuesday, Sept. 16, that alleged liberal bias on the part of the affiliate professor. At that point, the College had not received any student complaints about the topic written about in the online publication.

According to Lucas, once Metro State became aware of the issue, administrators spoke with the affiliate professor. “He agreed that, while he was attempting to provide his students with a current and relevant writing assignment that would civically engage them, he should have expanded the assignment to allow the students to focus on more than one political figure,” she said. “Consequently, a revised assignment, broadened to include other political candidates, was given at the next class session on Tuesday, Sept. 16.”

After being interviewed by several media outlets, one of the students has filed an official complaint, which the College is now investigating. “It is now a personnel matter,” Lucas said.

Metro State policies protect the freedom of both professors and students to discuss academic subjects fully, engage in research and publish the results of research, and write or speak as citizens without fear of institutional censorship or discipline. For professors, this protection is balanced by professional obligations, which include protecting the academic freedom of students, demonstrating respect for students as individuals and refraining from harassing or intimidating students.

Lucas explained that if the College's investigation concludes that the faculty member's behavior is inconsistent with these rights and obligations, Metro State will intervene with such action as may be needed to correct the inappropriate behavior. “To the extent permitted by law, the College will inform the public of this action,” she said.