University of Oklahoma: Plot to Punish Professor for Political Beliefs, Whistleblowing
At the University of Oklahoma, the School of Geology and Geophysics attempted to silence Professor David Deming, a frequent critic of administrative policy and a politically outspoken faculty member. OU removed him from his department, stripped him of most of his classes, and moved his office to a converted basement lab. After controversial remarks in Oklahoma Daily newspaper, Roger Slatt, Director of Geology and Geophysics, began to unconstitutionally monitor Deming's letters to the newspaper and include them in three professional evaluations, until directed to stop by OU President David L. Boren. Slatt and his colleagues did not stop there, however. They instigated a campaign amongst OU alumni to remove Deming. After a prominent donor to the university condemned Deming, the university transferred Deming against his will, and evicted him from his office. Deming filed suit to restore his position in the School of Geology and Geosciences. Deming and the university settled out of court, and Deming transferred to the College of Arts and Sciences at OU.
- "University of Oklahoma Administration Plots to Punish Professor for Political Beliefs, Whistleblowing," December 8, 2004: The University of Oklahoma has gone to a new low in its efforts to silence Professor David Deming, a frequent critic of administrative policy and a politically outspoken faculty member. OU removed him from his department and moved his office to the basement—all the while claiming to respect the principles of academic freedom. FIRE has the records showing that OU administrators schemed to marginalize and isolate Deming for whistleblowing and for his political expression.
- "Letter from Bob Stephenson's Attorney to University of Oklahoma Provost Nancy Mergler, November 4, 2003," November 4, 2003
- "E-mail from William Clopine to University of Oklahoma Development Director John Ritz, July 31, 2003," July 31, 2003
- "E-mail from University of Oklahoma Dean John Snow to William Clopine, July 24, 2003," July 24, 2003
- "Letter from University of Oklahoma Dean John Snow to Professor David Deming, July 3, 2003," July 3, 2003
- "Letter from University of Oklahoma President David L. Boren to Prof. David Deming, June 2003," June 1, 2003
Case Materials
- "The Chill Is Nothing New,"
by Greg Lukianoff, The Chronicle of Higher Education, September 9, 2005 - "Professor's case exposes bias,"
by Robert Shibley, The Oklahoman, February 23, 2005 - "Harassed Professor Files Suit Against Univ. of Oklahoma,"
by Jim Brown, Agape Press, December 10, 2004 - "The Man Without a Department,"
by Scott Smallwood, The Chronicle of Higher Education, February 27, 2004
