A Texas A&M professor was suspended for allegedly criticizing lieutenant governor [View all]
A Texas A&M University professor was suspended, investigated and ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing for allegedly criticizing Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick during a lecture about the opioid crisis. The probe has free speech advocates concerned about political influence over academia in Texas.
Joy Alonzo, a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy, nearly lost her job for a remark she made while delivering a lecture at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston in March, the Texas Tribune reported.
An investigation failed to prove the professor did anything wrong and she was allowed to keep her job. However, Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager at the freedom of expression nonprofit PEN America, said the fact that the investigation ever took place is a problem.
"This blatantly inappropriate investigation is a frightening example of how precarious academic freedom is becoming on Texas campuses," Shahverdian said in a statement. "For Alonzo to be investigated and censured, seemingly at the request of the lieutenant governor, is a frightening encroachment on her academic freedom that sends a chilling effect across all of higher education in the state."
https://www.npr.org/2023/07/26/1190245518/texas-professor-joy-alonzo-investigation-freedom-speech
Stars at night may be big and bright, but egos are fragile.....
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