The Forgotten Four – Shaw University Faculty STILL Await Due Process

And they still wait…

Hundreds of people have expressed concern for the four faculty members who were recently dismissed from Shaw University without due process. Although many questions have been asked – we have no answers.

An initial letter of inquiry from the American Association of University Professor was sent to the University in early July and Dr. Irma McClaurin neglected to provide a response. Then in late August, immediately following Dr. McClaurin’s abrupt departure, AAUP sent a letter addressed to Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy; Shaw’s interim President. Yet, no response has been provided. Click HERE to read the most recent letter.

Here is a brief timeline describing the events that occurred after the dismissal of the four professors.
March 11, 2011 Four professors notified of non-renewal of full-time faculty appointment

April 4, 2011 The Faculty Senate issues a “Manifesto” expressing concerns about the “climate of disrespect and summary firings of faculty”.

April, 2011 Hundreds of Shaw students petition for the return to the four faculty

April, 2011 All four professors appeal their non-renewal to Chairman Gary. No response is provided to any of the dismissed.

April, 2011 Faculty, alumni and students picket Shaw University for one week before tornado strikes and closes campus

May, 2011 Two of the dismissed faculty file (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) EEOC complaints

May 5, 2011 President McClaurin admits “process is flawed” and announces mediation

May 7, 2011 Shaw’s graduation is picketed by protesters demanding fair treatment of employees

May 13, 2011 Faculty Senate President sends letter to President McClaurin opposing a biased mediation committee member and the mediation process

June, 2011 Mediation Committee picks two mediators, but McClaurin selects only one (Attorney Kathryn Bender, University Counsel for UNC-CH)

July 5, 2011 Four dismissed faculty notified of individual mediation and informed that benefits will be extended until July 31, 2011

July 8, 2011 The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) sends a letter to Dr. McClaurin about lack of academic due process for four professors. Dr. McClaurin never responds.

July 11, 2011 The four dismissed send a letter to Atty. Bender, Mediator, expressing concerns about not being informed about details of the mediation process

July, 2011 All four mediations end with no settlement or return to employment of the four dismissed faculty

August 2, 2011 Dismissed faculty received letter from Dr. McClaurin about end of employment

August 18, 2011 The Chronicle of Higher Education writes article concerning the “outsize role” of Chairman of the Board, Willie E. Gary. Various other articles about the dismissed appear in local publications, such as Raleigh News & Observer, Triange Tribune, Carolinian, and on TV stations

August 26, 2011 AAUP send letter to incoming President Yancy reiterating concerns about violations of academic freedom and due process.

To the dismissed faculty…we haven’t forgotten you. Please don’t stop fighting for what is right.