The nineteen nays

The nineteen nays

Dr. Michael Kay, wrongful termination, censure

This article, written by history Prof. Frank Fox discusses how the history department voted to terminate Kay's position, in a vote 19 to 15. He also adds that an Ad Hoc committee has formed for the defense of Kay and he advocated for the censuring of the individuals responsible for the decision instead of the censuring of the entire university by the AAUP.

Frank Fox

Quad Angles

Special Collections, Francis Harvey Green Library, West Chester University

1970-02-10

Maria Marabito

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https://digital.klnpa.org/digital/collection/wcnp01/id/13882/rec/26

The nineteen nays TO THE EDITOR: On Tuesday evening, January 20, 1970, the West Chester state College Faculty Senate voted 19 to 15 not to recommend that the History Department reevaluate the procedures used in denying reappointment to Dr. Michael Kay. For want of two votes that would have produced a tie, the Nineteen Nays in the faculty Senate refused a request from their own colleagues in the history department, a substantial majority of which petitioned for the reappointment of Dr. Kay. Those who opposed Dr. McKenty's mild and facesaving resolution, claimed that very few on campus know all the facts. Yet they voted to learn even less. Who is trying to hide something now? We have only begun to persevere to bring this entire matter into the open. The Administration cannot turn its back on the questions raised by responsible members of the faculty. Let us affirm that we believe in a strong and independent Faculty Senate. We respect those who stood up and spoke in support of the resolution to return the evaluation to the history department. Fifteen votes in the Faculty Senate are most encouraging. Surely with that body divided so closely, the Administration would have to be blind indeed to pretend that all is well. Some fundamental questions will have to be raised. To whom does the school belong? What is the proper role for administrators? What is meant by the oft-proclaimed principle of academic freedom? We feel that the school belongs to everyone; to every new generation of students who come in good faith to study and mature within its walls. It belongs to the faculty, old and young, whose minds are open to the needs of those students in a changing world. It belongs to the community, whose problems call for a remedy. It is for the sake of those students, that faculty and the entire community, that voices from all directions should be listened to. Surely the Nineteen Nays will not stop that. The Ad Hoc committee of ConcernedConcerned Faculty has grown steadily. It has carried the main burden in the defense of Dr. Kay and the principles of academic freedom. It is now time for others to join our ranks. For the first time in the history of West Chester State College, those who wish to change conditions are not isolated. Those who are exposed to intimidation will be protected and defended. We call upon the faculty and students for continuing support. DO NOT ALLOW THE SCHOOL TO BE CENSURED. Rather let us censure those who are playing with the future of this institution. This school does not belong to them. They do not belong at the school. Frank Fox Professor of History