Sunday, July 14, 2019

Academic Freedom in Question: New Brunswick School's Sacking of Wildlife Instructor Draws Teacher's Union Censure

CAUT condemns dismissals at Maritime College of Forest Technology 

by Canadian Association of University Teachers


July 5, 2019



Ottawa - The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) is raising concerns about academic freedom at the Maritime College of Forest Technology in New Brunswick following the recent dismissal of two teachers.



Wildlife biologist Rod Cumberland was fired from his teaching post on June 20.

On July 3, Gerald Redmond, the former director of the school who was still teaching there, publicly stated that the College’s dismissal of Mr. Cumberland was likely in retaliation for his outspoken criticism of the herbicide glyphosate.

Mr. Redmond also said he “felt pressure from the board of governors in several instances, to try to sanction Rod for his outspokenness on the glyphosate herbicide.” 

The next day, the College informed Mr. Redmond that his services were no longer needed.

CAUT says that the academic freedom of both teachers has been violated, and that they have been denied due process in the manner in which they were dismissed.

These incidents will be referred to the CAUT Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee, which will take further actions if the situation is not satisfactorily resolved.

Read the letter here.

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