In regards to the article "Professor Challenges UB Academic Schedule" in the Friday issue of The Spectrum, the statement "they lied to the faculty" is simply declarative and defamatory. It is also a statement with consequences.
The University Calendar, unfortunately for Professor John Boot, is an official document filed with the State University of New York System office in Albany. Notes and e-mails document consultations held with the state Department of Education in Albany during the development of the university's calendar. "They lied to faculty and said they discussed it with Albany," declared Boot unequivocally. Dr. Boot would have benefited from being as thorough as those whom he wrongfully and recklessly accuses.
Campus constituencies must be able to trust individuals holding significant responsibility. Allegations that trust has been violated to the point of blatant dishonesty cannot be left unchallenged. Fortunately, faculty and staff governance procedures provide for review and redress.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
