Classroom to courtroom: ad hoc does "proper thing"

Classroom to courtroom: ad hoc does "proper thing"

censure, wrongful termination, Michael Kay, Martin Watkins

This article gives an update on the ad hoc committee defense for Michael Kay. It also gives an update on the status of the professors who supported him: Robert Young, Frank Fox, Martin Watkins, Thomas Treadwell and Stephen Parker, all of whom were issued with terminal contracts and as a result are involved in the case as well.

Quad Angles

Special Collections, Francis Harvey Green Library, West Chester University

1971-02-02

Maria Marabito

Digital images in Library Services' Digital Collections are issued by Special Collections, Francis Harvey Green Library, West Chester University. Images are provided for non-commercial, educational, and personal use only, and are not intended for reproduction or redistribution. For the above purposes the user may reproduce these materials (by download, printing, etc.) without further permission, on the condition that proper attribution of the source for all copies is provided by clearly acknowledging the name of the Library, the title of the web page or resource and the URL at which it was located, please credit as follows: Special Collections, Francis Harvey Green Library, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania. For questions regarding use of digital materials contact Special Collections (libspeccol@wcupa.edu or 610-436-3456).

https://digital.klnpa.org/digital/collection/wcnp01/id/14085/rec/36

d Hoc does "proper thing" Members of the Ad Hoc Committee will begin their courtroom tangle with the Administration of West Chester State College next Monday, Feb. 8. Those suing the Administration are seeking damages in excess of $1,200,000. Plaintiffs are Professors Michael Kay, Robert Young, Frank Fox, Thomas Treadwell, Stephen Parker and Martin Watkins. Named as defendants are Paul Rossey, Albert Filano, Byron Fleck, John Clokey, Harold Benda, Walter Ridley, Donn Riley, and Joseph Thorson. Also named is David Kurtzman, State Secretary of Education. Terminal Contracts In addition io the dismissal of Dr. Kay, Professors Treadwell, Watkins, and Parker have received terminal contracts. Dr. Fox was denied tenure and hi-s annual salary increment, and Dr. Young was denied promotion to the rank of full professor. The six feel that these actions came about because of their support of Dr. Kay. The plaintiffs' attorney is Jack Brian of the Upper Darby firm of Richard, Brian, Di Santi, and Hamilton. Counsels for the defendants are Samuel Halpern and the Robert Gawthrop firm. Deputy Attorney General William G. Williams will coordinate the activities of the defense. "The Proper Thing" Brian obtained a restraining order against the administration two weeks ago, prohibiting the hiring of any additional faculty for 21 days. "It was the proper thing to do," he said. "The termination of these people's contracts. . .is outrageous." He aims to demonstrate that the six were not treated as they were because of a lack of professional ability, but because "they had the audacity to exercise their freedom of speech," and because "the Administration can't stand criticism." Brian hopes that the trial will be concluded within the week. If the final outcome favors the administration, Brian will appeal, which "could take months." If the restraining order terminates before the trial is over, he will apply for renewal.