The discrimination complaint filed Friday by fired music professors Lisa Grevlos and Paul Nesheim against Augustana University alleges that university president Stephanie Herseth Sandlin got the discrimination ball rolling in 2020 by excluding tenured professor Grevlos from an important hiring process:
In early 2020, Augustana University began the hiring process for the
inaugural dean of the new School of Music. President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin selected Dr. Russell Svenningsen and Dr. Brian Hanegan as the only two music faculty members to serve on the dean search committee. Dr. Svenningsen was tenured whereas Dr. Hanegan was tenure-track but not yet tenured. Dr. Grevlos, then Chair of the Music Department, was not included or consulted in the process in violation of the AU Faculty Handbook [Plaintiffs’ Complaint, Lisa Grevlos and Paul Nesheim v. Augustana University, United States District Court of South Dakota, filed 2023.05.26, pp. 4–5].
The complaint alleges that President Herseth Sandlin fired Grevlos and her colleague Nesheim this spring without citing any violation of university policy by the tenured profs:
On February 27, 2023, President Herseth Sandlin issued a dismissal for cause letter terminating Dr. Nesheim effective May 24, 2023. Ms. Herseth Sandlin claimed that Dr. Nesheim presented a “harm” to the university, faculty and staff, but cited no university policy violation as required for dismissal of a tenured professor.
On March 3, 2023, President Herseth Sandlin issued a dismissal for cause letter terminating Dr. Grevlos effective May 24, 2023. Ms. Herseth Sandlin claimed that Dr. Grevlos presented a “harm” to the university, faculty and staff, but cited no university policy violation as required for dismissal of a tenured professor [Complaint, 2023.05.26].
Augustana has yet to reply in court. The plaintiffs are engaging lawyers from Minneapolis law firm Lockridge Grindal and Lauen to press their suit. The case is before Judge Karen Schreier in Sioux Falls.
Reputable universities adhere to the policies of the American Association of University Professors which state:
“After the expiration of a probationary period, teachers or investigators should have permanent or continuous tenure, and their service should be terminated only for adequate cause, except in the case of retirement for age, or under extraordinary circumstances because of financial exigencies.”
Universities which violate those rules can be placed under sanction by the AAUP, which means they are not places where academic freedom and integrity of administration operate. It is disheartening to learn that Augustana University qualifies for such a sanction. However, many professors questioned the appointment of Herseth Sandlin as a college president, as her experience is politics and fundraising rather than scholarly enterprise. Her orientation shows up in this decision.
My understanding of this is that the two Professors were chronic complainers. They wore out their welcome. that’s the way it goes at Augustana.
Would I be correct in saying that universities are tending to select schmoozers over scholars as administrative leaders?
Arlo, unless complaining violates policy, is wearing out one’s welcome a fire-able offense?
I do look forward to seeing the response from Augie’s attorneys.
Cory–Apparently, at Augie, it is.