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Letter to the Editor: Response to “Remote Teaching Request Lands Edgewood Professor’s Contract ‘Null and Void’”
Letter to the Editor
Sept. 22, 2021
In response to the “Remote Teaching Request Lands Edgewood Professor’s Contract ‘Null and Void’” story – I find the actions of the administration appalling, inexcusable and frankly heartbreaking. Prof. Susan Rustick was one of my favorite teachers during undergrad, introducing me to diverse and meaningful ideas while encouraging critical, compassionate thought. In addition to violating the terms of her tenure agreement, denying Prof. Rustick reasonable accommodation to continue teaching virtually while we are still in the middle of a pandemic is inhumane, lazy and frankly a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
At a time when the college is struggling to maintain adequate staffing, it seems counterintuitive to push out its best and most dedicated staff members. If money is tight, perhaps look at bloated administrative costs instead. I’d hate to think that a school with a stated mission to “educate students for meaningful personal and professional lives of ethical leadership, service, and a lifelong Search for Truth” was instead modeling the exact opposite behavior.
If Edgewood wishes to remain a viable and worthwhile place of higher learning—to “Return to Better”—it seems long overdue for a serious reckoning with its core values and mission. Treat faculty, staff and students with respect and compassion. Times of crisis offer an opportunity to show our true colors. What do we want our legacy to be?
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