From what I am told, David Conn is a reasonable and personable fellow, just the person to give what some are calling  Cal Poly’s “Committee of Inquisition” a happy face. I even had people tell me NOT to find any pictures of David Conn in a clown suit on the internet, because he was a such ‘nice guy.’ However, it has been my observation that much of the problems, dare I say ‘evil’, in the world has been supported, initiated and perpetuated by so-called ‘good people’ who believe they were just doing their job and ‘following orders.’ Psychologist Stanley Milgram might agree.

For some reason, Cal Poly’s administration believes there are not enough organizations and systems to handle the various complaints on campus and decreed that a new select committee would be set up and apparently given broad powers and a curious mandate. In addition, the committee would exist without the customary review by the faculty and staff unions or the faculty academic senate… in essence, it would be accountable to no one. Apparently, it would be ‘outside the law.’ It doesn’t take a genius to realize how easily this committee could be used — backed by ‘anonymous’ or non existent accusations — to punish with impunity.

In an attempt to reassure and assuage his colleagues, the affable David Conn was quoted in the recent past Academic Senate Executive meeting  as saying,”

“If accusations are made, the way we handled it is more important. It is not the intention for this to become a witch-hunt unless there is an appropriate base.”

The term  ‘witch hunt’ is disturbingly powerful as is the phrase  “unless there is an appropriate base.”

One of the student member of the committee jokingly referred to as the ‘Inquisitorial Squad” clearly called for action against faculty not viewed as ‘politically correct:”

“All students have had that teacher who isn’t politically correct or is hurtful in their actions or words,” recreation administration junior and future campus advocate Jessica Cresci said.

With Cal Poly’s history in federal court and in fairness to students and faculty, I would urge Cal Poly’s Administration from continuing on this path as it will no doubt lead to unnecessary grief to those guilty of nothing more than a difference in opinion.

Cal Poly needs not be on the wrong side of history once again.

Roger Freberg

Other articles/posts of interest:

Fire’s analysis of Cal Poly’s Care-net

Cal Poly looks to the Board of Inquisition

Article in National Association of Scholars

Cal Poly let’s the clowns out!

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