Indiana University has sanctioned an outspoken professor at its Bloomington campus following the review of an anonymous complaint about his classroom speech.
Professor Ben Robinson is likely the first professor to be punished under Indiana's new intellectual diversity law enacted last year. In a discplinary letter, an executive dean found he conflated "personal life experiences, academic scholarship and pedagogical practice" in violation of the new law.
The complaint against Robinson was filed last year and cited classroom comments he made about the university restricting free speech rights, times he's been arrested while protesting, and his views regarding the state of Israel.
However, Robinson told IndyStar that irregularities with the handling of his case are concerning. He claims the university did not conduct an investigation and escalated the complaint unfairly. He also believes it's unfair that a single, anonymous complaint can result in this level of punishment.
Additional sanctions could subject Robinson to probation, suspension, termination or a host of possible penalties related to promotions, tenure or salary, according to IU code.
Read for yourself. Here is the disciplinary letter sent to Robinson:
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Read IU's letter sanctioning professor for first time under new law
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