St. Olaf in Northfield, Minnesota Professor Philip Busse has resigned under pressure after he recounted in an article on Huffington Post how he tore down a McCain campaign sign. He is now only only out of a job but he is charged with misdemeanor theft.
St. Olaf spokesman David Gonnerman issued the following statement Monday afternoon: “The St. Olaf College administration first learned of Phil Busse’s self-admitted theft and destruction of campaign signs on the morning of Oct. 31 as a result of his posting on the Internet. The St. Olaf administration immediately referred the matter to local law enforcement authorities and commenced an investigation of its own. Mr. Busse has tendered his resignation and is no longer affiliated with St. Olaf College.”
This is a remarkably offensive act, particularly for an educator. We are supposed to be fostering political and philosophical debate — not acting like authoritarian thugs. It is a terrible lesson for students and a betrayal of a core academic value of pluralistic and tolerant dialogue.
He was listed as a visiting professor at St Olaf College and the Director for the Northwest Institute for Social Change.
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JT/rafflaw:
I read his post after filing my comment and the Huffington Post article is quite bizarre. Why would Busse admit illegal conduct and then link that with his job and University? I still think the offense falls below grounds to terminate his employment, but on the question of his judgment, I have no qualms about his separation from the School. Serves me right for not investigating before I speak.
Mespo,
I would agree that this offense might be a bit minor for a firing, but Prof. Turley has a good point about his posting listing the academic title. Is there any comparable case law that is similar to these facts? I would guess that some other professors have been fired over small infractions like this.
Mespo:
I think that the best defense for him is to argue that this is a matter done during his private hours. However, his post lists his academic title. It is hard to see how a “professor for social change” can engage in the very antithesis of democratic and participatory politics.
Cook County Dem:
“Everything comes out in the wash.”
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When is laundry day for Bush et crooks? I would modify your statement to “everything comes out in the wash, if you have the guts to do the job.”
JT:
“This is a remarkably offensive act, particularly for an educator. We are supposed to be fostering political and philosophical debate — not acting like authoritarian thugs. It is a terrible lesson for students and a betrayal of a core academic value of pluralistic and tolerant dialogue.”
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All true statements, but is it really a firing offense? I think restitution and an apology would suffice along with a diversion program to avoid criminal prosecution. What’s the sign worth? $10.00?
I meant to say “smoked pot” not got smoked pot.
I was going to say got high, but these days, people can get high with nearly anything
Politically polarized energy is difficult for all each of us to manage. Professor Busse is now suffering the consequences of his actions. As will the Virginia State Board of Elections suffer the consequences of its inactions. Everything comes out in the wash.
This is a man who clearly lacks common sense. You don’t do things like that and then brag about it to the public.
This story reads like the one about the police officer who got smoked pot with his wife and then they called 911 because they thought they were dead.
I know one is about drugs and the other is about politics, but stupidity goes hand in hand in both of these stories