Marathon Pundit: Goal exceeded! Reinstate Thomas Klocek at DePaul petition has over 2,000 signatures

For fifteen years, Thomas Klocek worked as an adjunct professor at Chicago's DePaul University, America's largest Catholic college.

Professor Klocek received excellent evaluations during his time there.

But on September 15, 2004, Klocek got involved in a discussion with some Muslim DePaul students involving Middle Eastern politics. Klocek defended Israel from some spurious charges made by the students. Since they didn't like what they heard and were unaccustomed to having their views challenged, they complained to Klocek's dean, and the process began that led to Klocek's dismissal from DePaul.

The Scholars for Peace in the Middle East has posted an online petition in support of reversing the injustice against Klocek, the goal was to reach 2,000 signatures--and as of December 4, 2,029 signatures have been collected.

Why stop there? Below is the petition, click on the first link below to add your signature.

A Petition to Reinstate Professor Thomas Klocek to DePaul University With No Prejudice or Penalty

To: Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., Ed.D., President and Susanne M. Dumbleton, Ph.D., Dean of the School for New Learning, DePaul University

We, the undersigned faculty members from around the world, stand solidly with Professor Thomas Klocek, a Roman Catholic, who was dismissed by DePaul University for allegedly offending Muslim students when discussing Christian interests in Israel, disputing that Israeli treatment of Palestinians was akin to the Nazi treatment of the Jews and then terminating the discussion when it appeared that the students were more interested in Israel-bashing than discussing the issues.

We believe this case sheds serious questions on the commitment to academic freedom and civility in academic discussion with this egregious termination. We further believe that this action by administration has separated DePaul from the academic community.

It is our understanding that Prof. Klocek alleges:

1) He was never allowed to meet with his accusers.

2) He was never presented with a written list of the complaints or charges against him.

3) He was suspended by the Dean of the School for New Learning in clear violation of the University's own stated Faculty Handbook procedures.

4) He was never given a hearing.

5) A vote by the DePaul Faculty Council affirmed that the same rules that apply for a formal academic hearing apply to all professors, full-time and adjuncts alike.

As a result, we believe that Professor Klocek, a faculty member with a 15-year history of excellent evaluations and no prior complaints, was dismissed without due process and should be reinstated without penalty or prejudice and with back pay, restitution of benefits and compensation for his legal and other expenses incurred as a result of his being improperly terminated.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned