I received the following letter from Dr. Katya Barbash, which I am posting below.
Dr. Yekaterina Barbash
To whom it may concern:
I write this letter to state my sincere support and respect for Dr. Christopher Rollston. I am deeply disappointed with the Emmanuel Christian Seminary’s decision to terminate his position.
As a scholar of ancient history, I would like to express my regard for Dr. Rollston’s research and for his academic achievements. His interaction with both scholars and students evince a genuine reverence for history. His continuous effort to share his passion for the study of history and to inspire this passion in others deserves nothing but admiration.
Dr. Rollston’s dedication and integrity are praiseworthy, to say the least. In my opinion, any infringement of his intellectual freedom is disgraceful.
Sincerely,
Yekaterina Barbash, PhD
Assistant Curator
Arts of Ancient Egypt
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11238
T (718) 501-6285
Filed under: scholarship Tagged: | Brooklyn Museum, christopher rollston, Emmanuel Christian Seminary, Katya Barbash
[...] State University) here Jeremiah Bailey (Duke University) here Dr. Katya Barbash (Brooklyn Museum) here Joseph Beal (Emmanuel School of Religion alum) here Adam Bean (Emmanuel Christian Seminary alum) [...]
If I understand correctly, this professor works at a religious university and he signed a contract to follow their rules. He gave up his intellectual freedom by choice, so he should not be complaining if he broke their rules. I think they should have the right to fire him. I don’t like their rules, but he knew what he was doing when he took the job.
Anyway, the other professors should unionize already because that is the best protection they can get. I consider most professors to be the migrant farm workers of higher education with low pay and no benefits usually. I don’t know if a union could have helped the professor in this case. I am sorry if I sound mean, but I don’t see why he should not have to follow the rules he agreed to follow.
Kenneth Greifer
Kenneth,
You do not understand correctly.
Prof. Rollston broke no contractual rules, therefore no basis to revoke tenure, therefore no legal grounds to terminate.
If he sues, he wins.