1/13/2013: UO’s new VP for Equity Yvette Alex-Assensoh’s proposal for reforms in how UO handles Native American Affairs is here:
And here’s the memo from YAA, Human Resources, and Randy Geller’s office, telling OEI staff that “we have an obligation while at work to refrain from comments that might negatively affect the operations of the University”.
Faculty and students take note…you too are mentioned in the Officer of Administration directive from YAA
Now I understand why Randy Geller has stopped showing up at the union bargaining sessions. This rule about “refraining from comments that might negatively affect the University” effectively prevents him from opening his mouth between 8AM and 5PM.
I checked the timestamp on his email that inspired this embarrassing episode: https://uomatters.com/2012/08/geller-defames-judge-appoints-grier-as.html
Presumably he was following policy, and was on an unpaid leave of absence!
From: Randy Geller
Subject: RE: Center for Public Integrity gives Oregon F on public records
Date: July 31, 2012 8:37:04 AM PDT
We compiled the statistics because Dave Hubin asked for them. Your assertions regarding the affirmative action plan and Bellotti’s contract are false, as are your accusations about the Office of the General Counsel. It seems that you have forgotten that you lost every single petition against the University.
The “investigation” of Melinda by DOJ was a hack job. Unfortunately, she was the first of several victims of the former Attorney General. His incompetence eventually led to his decision not to run for a second term and then to resign before the end of his term. If you google “John Kroger” I am sure you will find the Oregonian and Willamette Week articles.
Seriously? Can you say “academic freedom”?
Yes, of course, you can say anything you want, but only on your own personal time. Make sure that time off is approved by your supervisor.
“We are not free to participate in demonstrations or political activity during work time.” As a professor, maybe I could swallow this if work time were explicitly defined as class time. Otherwise, I’m outa here, or would be were I not retired.
This is pretty awful
Orwellian.
Standard CYA stuff
Faculty have academic freedom protections and others in the community do not. This type of letter or language is not new for those of us who are on staff (OA, classified or student).
Why do you think faculty have academic freedom protections? Unless such freedoms are made explicit in the faculty member’s employment contract, there is none. I doubt that any public employee in Oregon, faculty or otherwise, can point to a contract provision that protects the employee from on-the-job, speech-based employment sanctions.
The Senate has approved such a policy – yet to be commented on by President, and the Union has proposed one for the CBA.
http://uauoregon.org/our-proposals
You’ll want to listen carefully to admins’ responses on both.
Unlawful behavior..I’m surprised they can even spell the words!
They won’t discourage you….but turn your head and next thing ya know…you be gone! Fastest way to be on that slide out of this place is to REPORT DIRECTLY to the administration ANYTHING!
Our past, present and looks like future administrators will stop at nothing for continued success of their plan…(that plan being the plan of self enrichment paid for by students and employees and PERS)…yes wipe that surprised look off your face….there is a plan.
Been working quite well for them so there be no stopping them now.