Communication continued between the University and the American Association of University Professors on Wednesday as another letter was sent requesting University administration extend the nonrenewal date of the “foreign language 14” to the end of the academic year, according to an e-mail from AAUP Associate Secretary B. Robert Kreiser.
The letter was written by Kreiser in response to a Nov. 18 letter from University Vice Chancellor for Human Resources A.G. Monaco.
“We urge that the LSU administration, if it remains unwilling to rescind the notices, at a minimum extend their effective date to the end of the 2010-2011 academic year,” Kreiser wrote.
This was the most recent letter in the four-part exchange between the AAUP and the University.
The original AAUP letter, which was sent Oct. 29, questioned the University about infringing on the rights of the foreign language 14.
The letter asked the University to rescind the notices of termination issued to the group.
More than 200 instructors received the notices of nonrenewal in January, but only the foreign language 14 did not receive extensions.
The Oct. 29 letter also argued the instructors should have received a more advanced notice of their termination.
Monaco replied to this letter on Nov. 18, stating, “LSU has complied with all applicable state laws and regulations, and it has fully met with its obligations in regard to notification as required under the employment agreements,” according to Kreiser.
Monaco also said the University followed the “spirit of the rules” and the “traditions of the academy.”
Kreiser sent a follow-up Nov. 15, highlighting a 1984 court decision, Subryan vs. Regents of the University of Colorado. In the decision, the court recognized the necessity of having the date of nonreappointment match the rhythm of the academic year.
Kreiser used this example to show Chancellor Michael Martin that similar action has been taken in the past.
“I am glad that the AAUP has addressed the issue,” said Emily Batinski, chair of the Foreign Languages and Literatures Department. “It is an important one.”
Batinski said instructors around the state and around the country are experiencing similar situations.
“I’m glad to see the concern by the AAUP,” she said.
Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope said action could be effective if the AAUP puts its energies toward those who created the problem.
“AAUP tries to help but leads many into a false sense of security,” Cope said.
Cope said the AAUP needs to address those who elected the government controlling the state.
“AAUP needs to explain to citizens what higher education costs and what results it could bring,” Cope said.
The University has been under fire lately for other decisions regarding faculty.
In the past year the AAUP addressed the University in regards to pulling professor Dominique Homberger from teaching an introductory biology course because of students’ low grades.
The AAUP also addressed the University following its decision to allow former professor and Hurricane Center Director Ivor van Heerden’s contract to expire.
 
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Contact Sydni Dunn at [email protected]