The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has alerted the Chancellor of Louisiana State University (LSU) that, in its opinion, the firing of Professor Ivor van Heerden “raises significant issues of academic freedom, tenure and due process.”
Two months ago, van Heerden, the former deputy director of the Louisiana State University (LSU) Hurricane Center filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in state court against the flagship university.
Van Heerden alleged that LSU officials waged a campaign of retaliatory harassment for his criticism of the federal Army Corps of Engineers. Louisiana State University receives large federal grants from the Corps.
Apparently LSU’s Chancellor had ignored previously written letters to his office setting forth AAUP’s concerns regarding actions taken by LSU administration to terminate the services of Dr. van Heerden.
Yesterday, the AAUP put LSU on alert that it shall ‘establish an ad hoc committee composed of persons who have had no previous involvement with the particular matter, to conduct its own full inquiry without prejudgement of any kind.” (Hat tip to the New Orleans Ladder for posting this information first.)
When Professor van Heerden announced his intention to sue LSU, he was flanked by a big name supporters including John Barry (author Rising Tide), Harry Shearer (actor, filmmaker), Oliver Houck (Tulane University law professor), Mtangulizi Sanyika (African American Leadership Project), and Jed Horne (author Breach of Faith).
Months ago, few media reports mentioned this significant show of support. Today, this ad hoc investigation now shows, yet again, that Ivor van Heerden is far from alone on this journey to find out the truth about his dismissal.
We should promote those of us with great talent and the strength to speak truth to power regardless of the consequences. Prof. van Heerden’s position was based on merit and I believe his firing was based on politics. This is a disgrace against LSU and perpetrated against the people of this area, particularly his future students. We cannot begin to repay his work to protect Louisianans and all those whose path hurricanes and floods will cross. This simple gesture to stand up for him and justice is the limit of my power. I hope those in high places will also stand up for him.