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AAUA formed Professors fired in ‘political purge’ at Fresno State College Opinion channels sought by administrators ’ group by Dennis Drescher Spectrum Staff Writer political activities, or because they opposed President Baxter or former President Falk. Chris Metzler Spectrum Staff Writer discussed were the publication of a scholarly journal, a newsletter of information and a placement sendee. But the main thrust would be the AAUA’s ability to disseminate policy statements. Bothered by their own remoteness from policy-making and other difficulties pertinent to their place in University structure, a group of college and University administrators have formulated a new organization. Called the American Association of University Administrators, its stated purposes include the development of the professional aspects of administration in higher education and to develop ethics and standards for themselves and their colleagues. Floundering in a limbo between the higher echelon officers of a university and the faculty, administrators perform the functions necessary to keep the university running, yet have no vehicle, such as the Faculty Senate, through which to present their opinions or raise grievances. Often they have little job security, as few are contracted and they serve for all practical purposes at the whim of their supervisors. Earlier this year six State University of Buffalo personnel began the development of the organization. They are Stanford Lottor, assistant dean. School of Management; Andrew Holt, assistant dean of the Graduate School; Marjorie Mix, assistant provost. Faculty of Educational Studies; Jerome Fink, coordinator of Student Affairs, Student Personnel Services; Albert Berrian, associate academic vice president and Thomas Schillo, assistant vice president, Operations and Systems. By last weekend, the idea had gathered sufficient support that an organizational meeting held here on campus was attended by people from all over New York as well as Washington, Houston, Denver and Tennessee. Culminating what was termed a “political purge,” Dr. Eugene V. Zumwalt, chairman of the Department of English at Fresno State College, was dismissed from his post and his office door was bolted shut. Student strike called Zumwalt said he was ousted because of his outspoken, liberal views. “The sealing-off of my door is unheard of in my experience. I believe I was treated as a criminal. I believe there will have to be legal sanctions brought against Baxter and Rea for treating me as a criminal and misusing public and state property. Baxter must be called to account for what I would understand to be wildly irresponsible behavior. An ad hoc executive committee has been formed, with Stanford Lottor as chairman, to develop the group’s structure, to broaden the statement of purposes and to discuss financing. There will be another meeting of the committee in mid-February of next year. This action was taken Dec. 7, bringing the number of professors who were either fired or given a one-year terminal contract to 14. This terminal contract allows them another teaching year, but their contracts automatically expire after the 1971-72 academic year. The major portion of these professors were in either the English or Social Work departments, and almost all of them publically opposed the president of the university, Norman A. Baxter, at one time during their careers. Burton Swope, editor of The Daily Collegian the campus newspaper, called for a student strike on Monday. “We feel there is no recourse left to students on this campus. The next day, 2000 students rallied on the Fresno State campus, and on Tuesday, a teach-in was held, attended by 800 students. among others. Martin Meyerson, now president of the University of Pennsylvania, is listed as a charter member. Response to the venture has been good, as at least 250 letters of inquiry have been received at the group’s temporary base here on campus. Iron and bolts Dr. Zumwalt was dismissed when Ralph Rea, acting dean of Humanities, came to his office with a custodian and two campus policemen. According to Dr. Zumwalt, one of the policemen began to remove the office doorknobs while Dr. Rea read him a letter from President Baxter, which relieved him of his duties as chairman. On Dec. 2, the Student Senate met and passed a vote of “no confidence” in Dr. Baxter and his administration. California State Senator-elect George Zenovich announced that he will call for a full legislative investigation into the administrations of Baxter and Falk. In an interview with Dr. Holt about the AAUA, it was learned that “it is not a union, but an association.” He explained that administration was at one time “a chore taken on by a member of the faculty in his turn. But because of the varieties of expertise necessary (today), many administrators come without faculty experience.” Therefore, they lack the stature and voice of faculty. Tenure for administrators is not the answer though, as AAUA believes that the system also needs revamping. After Dr. Zumwalt, his vice chairman, and three secretaries, left the office, the door was barricaded by installing iron plates and driving bolts into the door. Zumwalt said they might have thought there was incriminating evidence in his office. ‘There was nothing in those offices except forms, supplies and some minor personnel files. Political purge According to assistant professor of English Everret Frost, another member in the group whose contracts were terminated, “I am part of a political purge that is ruthless in the sense that it is willing to sacrifice academic excellence for political goals. It appears I’m being fired in violation of constitutional rights, especially First Amendment rights, and in violation of professional ethics.” The fired professors included anti-war protestors, supporters of the farm workers' movement, and a black chemistry professor who had pushed for more ethnic studies courses. As to the sealing off of the chairman’s office with metal plates. Dr. Chittick said he was “thunderstruck. It reminded me of Germany under Hitler.” Although Zumwalt’s dismissal occurred without any reason being given by the administration, it was apparent that he angered President Baxter when he charged at a press conference the day before that the administration was paying students to spy on English classes. Zumwalt also charged that nine of the professors whose contracts had been terminated were fired because they were involved in liberal Lettuce boycott Valuable opinions The career-distinction of administrators is just emerging, yet Dr. Holt complained: “If we are truly professional, our professional opinions should be worth something. We supposedly possess the competence, so we should be considered.” Administration — which includes people in offices such as admissions, financial aid and placement - are hired for their particular skills and many times have a unique view of university life; yet these resources are infrequently tapped. AAUA hopes to correct this situation by acting as a forum for the field of administration. Chavez calls for escalation Farm labor leader Cesar Chavez, jailed Dec. 4 for defiance of a court order to end a lettuce boycott against Antle, Inc., called on workers to escalate the boycott. “Escalation,” explained a top Chavez aide Sunday, “means boycotting all Antle produce. It also means intensification of efforts by people working on the boycott across the country.” large companies have switched from Teamster to UFWOC contracts. Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles. London and Stockhom. More members Members of the organization from this University include Dr. Ketter and many upper level officials: Albert Somit, Richard Siggelkow and Warren Bennis, UFWOC mainly represents Mexican-Americans. It is not a bonafide union but can make binding contracts. It is not a union because it represents farm workers who are not covered by the National Labor Relations Act under which unions are recognized. One advantage to their position is their right to boycott, a move denied recognized union. UFWOC has been boycotting since Aug. 24, attempting to organize all workers with them. They call the present Teamster contracts “sweethearts,” agreements between company and union officials without worker input. The contracts set wages at $1.98 for the next five years and they have no benefit clauses usually found in union contracts. The growers hastily made the contracts with a renegade Teamsters Local when they heard Chavez would organize the lettuce pickers. About 200 growers hold these contracts. Other companies have been unionized since 1961. The comparison was made by Dr. Holt to the American Association of University Professors. “They helped to stabilize university professors’ ethics, standards of conduct and pay scales. The career administrator has only recently emerged and a system of ethics should be developed.” It hopes to act as a forum for the field of administration. Membership qualifications QuaUfications for membership set down at the weekend meeting include “any full-time employee of an institution in higher education or other non-profit institutions who is primarily engaged in or concerned with the administration of higher education,” Other avenues of development of the society The call for escalation came after a meeting between representatives of the United Farm Workers Organizing Committees, UFWOC, Teamsters officials and Antle. Chavez termed the meeting “fruitless.” Antic is not the only grower being boycotted, but is the most stubborn in holding onto its Teamster contract in spite of Teamster willingness to end the contract. Both parties must agree to end the agreements. Several The UFWOC has one other fac in their favor in this strike - the) are not fighting the Teamster over who has jurisdiction u represent the workers. UFWOC won jurisdiction during the gr ip; strike. V-8, power steering, automatic transmission 4 new tires, (including snows) 1965 Mercury - 46,000 miles, UFWOC is trying to have a more effective strike than the four-year long grape strike by setting up picket lines at target stores Pickets are set up in Chavez was sentenced to days or until he ends the boyi An appeal to the Califo Appellate court to free Ch was turned down. Call STAN 837-9148 BEST OFFER * - -« r <* ■■ JMa ?S^^£fZ!£fZS£&*^S^S»55»55^ffS 20% OFF | The Spectrum is published three times a week, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, during the regular academic year by the Faculty-Student Association of the State University if Hew York at Buffalo, Inc. Offices are located at 355 Norton Hall, State University Faculty-Student Association of the State University of New York TelephoneArea code 716, Editorial. 831-2210; Business. 831-3610. Bail basketball The ‘big game’ of (he basketball season come' to Clark Gym Friday when the Faculty 45 lake on the ROTC 19 in the first round of the ‘political prisoner round robin tournament. Mr. Kenneth Glennon, head of the campus security police force could not be reached when rumors said that he would officiate the contest. The hoopsters hit the court at 8 p m. Frida) night and proceeds will go to the ROTC 19 Defense Committee. The ‘19’ will pin their hopes on their ‘snakelike’ moving offense, the same ‘dancing grace which led to their arrests on Oct. IS, 1969 Meanwhile, the Faculty 45 hope to contain the 1 9 with their now famous sit-in defense. Admission is $.50 for students and SI '°' faculty, which one faculty member termed 1 ‘political move’ to pack the gallery with screaming students. Dave Weiss, one of the ROTC 19 replied m that charge by saying: “Who took my ho\ 0 screaming yellow zonkers?” Dec. 16 thru Dec.24 \Hand crafted Leather A Suede Boutique Shop R e presented for advertising by National Educational Advertising Service. Inc., 18 E. 50th Street. New York, New York 10022. INSIDE THE MERLE NORMAN STUDIO NORTHTOWN PLAZA EGGERTSVILLE, N Y. 833-0700 Subscription rates are $4.50 per semester or $8.00 for two semesters. Second Class Postage paid at Buffalo, New York. Circulation: 16,000 Page two . The Spectrum . Wednesday, December 16, 1970
