In the latest instance of unstable labour relations at Trent University, the school’s administration has removed two tenured professors from their offices and department.
Andreas Pickel and Mark Neufeld, formerly of the political studies department and founding members of the Trent International Political Economy Centre, were ousted in April 2005. The reasons for the dismissal remain uncertain, as both Pickel and Neufield previously received merit awards from Dean Colin Taylor, the person who fired them.
The Trent University Faculty Association has charged that the university has breached academic freedom, practiced discrimination, and may be in violation of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Trent is already subject to an inquiry over the alleged breach of academic freedom of another professor, George Nader.
A statement released last week by Neufeld and Pickel hinted that they may seek millions of dollars in damages from the university. The Trent administration has not yet responded to TUFA’s grievances.
