I am in agreement with Dr. Wortman’s concern about the loss of faculty at Iowa State. I would add, however, that at least part of the reason for the loss of faculty is the mistreatment of faculty by the administration. This is especially evident in how the university administration handles grievances and complaints.

In my opinion, investigations into complaints do not have the intention of securing remedies for the complainant. Instead, the intention is to free the university of legal liability. It then becomes an almost automatic response for the administration to deny all fault in complaints. I would argue this actually has the effect of exposing the university to more legal liability, not less. Since the administration invariably finds no fault with the manner in which departments treat faculty members, the departments have absolutely no incentive to change. Thus, the type of activity which leads to complaints in the first place is encouraged, leading to more mistreatment of faculty members, and more exposure to legal liability.

I found this to be the case in my university grievance and affirmative action complaint. As reported in the Daily, last spring the religious studies faculty voted to terminate my contract. This action was supported by Michael Bishop, chairman of our department, in his recommendation to the college. I filed an administrative grievance and an affirmative action complaint. In both instances, there was no finding of fault on the part of the religious studies faculty and Michael Bishop. However, since the dean decided to renew my contract, it is evident that the recommendation that I be fired was inappropriate.

Given the results of the investigations into my grievance and complaint, however, the religious studies faculty have no incentive to change, and I am still faced with a hostile work environment.

I think Iowa State can do better. I am eager to work with the administration to find a way in which the university would be able to admit fault but not be exposed to legal liability. I believe that if we base our final settlement on good, solid, Midwestern values, we can find a way.

This is what I mean when I say I am working to make Iowa State a better institution. And, once all faculty see Iowa State is a safe place to work, I hope in part my efforts will help stem the loss of faculty.

Lawrence W. Gross

Assistant professor

American Indian studies

Philosophy and religious studies