Scribd

Marquette University University Academic Senate Faculty Hearing Committee

January 18, 2016

In the Matter of the Contested Dismissal of Dr. John C. McAdams Final Report

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

.......................................................................................................... 1

I.

Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 4

II.

Proceedings ............................................................................................................................ 7

A.

Procedural History ............................................................................................................ 7

B.

Contentions of the Parties .............................................................................................. 10

1.

The University ...........................................................................................................10

2.

Dr. McAdams.............................................................................................................13

C.

Objections Concerning Pre-Hearing Discovery.......................................................... 17

D.

The University’s Interim Suspension of Dr.

McAdams ............................................ 19

III.

Charge of the Committee ................................................................................................... 30

IV.

Findings of Fact ................................................................................................................... 32

A.

Background ...................................................................................................................... 33

B.

Prior Incidents ................................................................................................................. 35

C.

The Oct. 28, 2014 Theory of Ethics Class and Its Immediate Aftermath ................. 42

D.

The Student’s Complaint

............................................................................................... 47

E.

Drafting of Dr.

McAdams’s Nov. 9 Blog Post

............................................................. 51

F.

Harm to Ms. Abbate ....................................................................................................... 59

G.

Suspension and Initiation of Termination Proceedings ............................................ 62

V.

Conclusions ......................................................................................................................... 65

A.

Discretionary Cause ........................................................................................................ 66

1.

The Balance Between Freedoms and Responsibilities Inherent in Academic Freedom ...................................................................................................68

2.

The Standards of Conduct Applicable in This Case ............................................71

a.

Conduct Not Leading to Discipline ................................................................. 72

b.

Conduct Potentially Leading to Discipline .................................................... 74

In re

Contested Dismissal of Dr. John C. McAdams Final Report

ii 3.

Dr.

McAdams’s Violation of the Applicable Standards of Conduct

.................81

a.

Dr.

McAdams’s Reckless and Irresponsible Conduct

.................................. 82

b.

Substantial Harm ............................................................................................... 87

c.

Foreseeability ...................................................................................................... 89

d.

Avoidability ........................................................................................................ 92

e.

Justification ......................................................................................................... 93

4.

Mitigating Factors .....................................................................................................95

5.

Impairment of Value...............................................................................................101

6.

Conclusion Concerning Discretionary Cause .....................................................105

B.

Limitations ..................................................................................................................... 108

1.

Academic Freedom .................................................................................................108

2.

First Amendment ....................................................................................................117

C.

Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... 120

VI.

Recommendation .............................................................................................................. 123

Appendix A List of Abbreviations ........................................................................................ 124

Appendix B Docket .................................................................................................................. 126

Appendix C List of Documents in the Record ..................................................................... 128

Appendix D FHC Pre-Hearing Letters ................................................................................. 138

Appendix E Bibliography ....................................................................................................... 156