CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/22/us/texas-am-university-president-resigns/index.html
Texas A&M University president M. Katherine Banks resigned Thursday amid controversy over the school’s failed attempt to hire a new professor to lead its journalism program. Banks’ decision came after the Faculty Senate announced its own plans to investigate why the school announced the hiring of journalist and professor Kathleen McElroy, only to change the terms of her proposed employment dramatically. The university announced its decision to hire McElroy with great fanfare last month. A news release from the school said McElroy – who has been teaching at the University of Texas at Austin following a reporting career that included 20 years at the New York Times – said, “A priority for McElroy is to build a curriculum that incorporates innovative ways to deliver news to underserved audiences across Texas and beyond.”
But McElroy told the Texas Tribune earlier this month her offer of a tenured position quickly fell apart after she was told there was a backlash to her hiring because of her work on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. McElroy told the Tribune she agreed to a new offer of a five-year, nontenured position, only to see the school revise it again to a one-year contract, which could be rescinded at any time.
The head of the school’s Department of Communication and Journalism acknowledged the change to the employment offer, saying it happened without his consent. I was shocked to learn an earlier draft of a job offer letter for Dr. McElroy was altered and sent to her without my advance knowledge,” Hart Blanton said in a written statement released through his personal attorney.
In fact, reading other news sources, it seems Blanton's electronic signature was used on the revised job offer without his consent. Responsibility for the e-forgery has not been assigned, but it's not hard to read between the lines.
Texas A&M University president M. Katherine Banks resigned Thursday amid controversy over the school’s failed attempt to hire a new professor to lead its journalism program. Banks’ decision came after the Faculty Senate announced its own plans to investigate why the school announced the hiring of journalist and professor Kathleen McElroy, only to change the terms of her proposed employment dramatically. The university announced its decision to hire McElroy with great fanfare last month. A news release from the school said McElroy – who has been teaching at the University of Texas at Austin following a reporting career that included 20 years at the New York Times – said, “A priority for McElroy is to build a curriculum that incorporates innovative ways to deliver news to underserved audiences across Texas and beyond.”
But McElroy told the Texas Tribune earlier this month her offer of a tenured position quickly fell apart after she was told there was a backlash to her hiring because of her work on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. McElroy told the Tribune she agreed to a new offer of a five-year, nontenured position, only to see the school revise it again to a one-year contract, which could be rescinded at any time.
The head of the school’s Department of Communication and Journalism acknowledged the change to the employment offer, saying it happened without his consent. I was shocked to learn an earlier draft of a job offer letter for Dr. McElroy was altered and sent to her without my advance knowledge,” Hart Blanton said in a written statement released through his personal attorney.
In fact, reading other news sources, it seems Blanton's electronic signature was used on the revised job offer without his consent. Responsibility for the e-forgery has not been assigned, but it's not hard to read between the lines.
