by Sonia Mohammed
As a female student attracted to and intrigued by alternative political and sociological thought, I am absolutely outraged and horrified that the administration is censoring the work of Dr. Joe Lopreato of the UT School of Sociology.
Just because a few intellectually-intimidated feminists with low self-esteem and inferiority complexes were challenged by the unorthodox ideas expressed by Dr. Lopreato, there has been a dangerous infringement upon academic freedom.
In a university environment, professors are supposedly at liberty to project their philosophies without fear of reprimand.
However, this rule apparently only applies to the politically correct. Dr. Lopreato, whose alternative approach to mainstream sociological thought potentially debunks traditional feminist drivel, has been subject to an ignominious political witch hunt by the administration and is being scapegoated for his unconventional analysis of the subject-matter.
Jodi Park, an undergraduate in the UT School of Sociology, alleged in November 1996 that Lopreato sexually harassed her - not by groping her, not by propositioning her, not by threatening her - just by saying a few things she didn't want to hear. At the urging of a few feminist malcontents, the administration ruled that his conduct "created an objectively intimidating and offensive learning environment for Ms. Park."
Findings by the administration concerning Lopreato's conduct with Park conclude that: Lopreato related details concerning his own current and prior intimate relationships into conversations during a session of their conference course, that Lopreato made inquiries about Park's boyfriend, that Lopreato made comments regarding make-up Park was wearing and her loss of weight, and that Lopreato questioned Park about and commented on her plans concerning child-bearing.
After having read the University's report issued by the Executive Vice-President and Provost regarding the complaint of sexual harassment filed by Park against Lopreato, it became blatantly obvious to me that there is an ulterior motive behind Park's absolutely asinine allegations.
In the report, Park acknowledged that Lopreato never touched her, propositioned her, or behaved in any fashion which would be construed as a demand for or request for sexual favors.
Dr. Chuck Wood, a former faculty member and graduate advisor in the Department of Sociology who left The University in 1995 stated that it was common knowledge in the department that Dr. Lopreato was known for being a person with forceful intellectual presence with a confrontational style that some judged as abusive; however, he was not aware of specific conduct of a sexually harassing nature on the part of Dr. Lopreato.
Park's written testimony alleges that Dr. Lopreato expressed disdain for her "feminist mumbo-jumbo" (the feminist-oriented topic she had chosen for her thesis) and made disparaging remarks concerning her intellectual abilities that eroded her self-confidence.
Jodi Park's allegations have rejuvenated and revitalized the Shakespearean phrase, "Frailty! Thy name is woman!" by displaying an incredibly immature "damsel in distress" mentality and a capricious attitude toward Dr. Lopreato's theoretical inclinations. It is evident that Park felt intimidated by Lopreato's straightforward, honest nature and could not tolerate the fact that Lopreato was often quite blunt in expressing his opinions.
Although Lopreato did make some inquiries regarding Park's boyfriend and her thoughts on child-rearing, the professor's actions and challenging questions posed to the student have been grossly misconstrued as sexual advancements, when even Park admits that none were directly made.
As a result of Ms. Park's inability and/or fear of coping with the demands and obligations of an honors conference course, she has lashed out against Dr. Lopreato under the guise of "sexual harassment," and the academic and personal integrity of Dr. Lopreato is paying the price. The administration ruled that Dr. Lopreato cannot be allowed to teach any one-on-one conference courses or engage in other individualized instruction with or supervision of female students for a year.
This is a ridiculous, politically correct ploy to silence independent scholarly pursuits and it will not be tolerated by this woman. As a female student at the University, I strongly resent the demeaning, demoralizing and degrading paternalism displayed by the administration through this academic censorship. In the interest of intellectual freedom and maintaining an academically unrestricted environment, I demand that I be able to enroll in a fall conference course taught by Dr. Lopreato.
Sonia Mohammed is a government/philosophy junior and is managing editor of Contumacy. She can be reached at soniamohammed@mail.utexas.edu.