Southwestern College Probation Continues

Inside Higher Ed noted yesterday that the accrediting body for the California Community Colleges has continued with the probation of Southwestern College. As we wrote here almost exactly a year ago, SWC's accreditors cited a "culture of fear and intimidation" at SWC, which had thoroughly demoralized the campus. This culture of fear was nowhere better exemplified than in Superintendent/President Raj K. Chopra's suspension of four faculty members for their mere presence at a student rally. That SWC's blatant disregard of free speech has played such a significant role in putting its accreditation at risk stands as a warning that should be heeded by all college presidents, administrators, and trustees.