I recently learned of the dismissal of plagiarism charges against Andy Gulliford by an independent hearing officer, and the non-dismissal/lack of punitive actions threatened by Fort Lewis College and President Dene Thomas.
Having worked at the college for 20 years and having recently been “downsized” as a non-tenure track employee, I feel for Gulliford and others who get on the wrong side of the current administration.
As tenure track faculty, at least Gulliford had some recourse in trying to defend himself against the administration. Many non-tenure track employees, like myself, who’ve put in numerous years instructing, fare worse when hired “at the pleasure of the president.”
What I’m sure Gulliford is not going to be able to avoid is the costly legal fees he’s incurred in defending himself. Going up against the state and college is a daunting task. And within the narrow window of “provable” discrimination that the federal government recognizes, woe are those who get on the wrong side of the administration at FLC.
Thanks to The Durango Herald for reporting on some of the battles up in the ivory tower.
Tim Thomas
Durango
