Professor Alain St-Amant, Chairman, Department of Chemistry, University of Ottawa, is a well know and dedicated contributor to this blog. He has been candidate for Dean of the Faculty of Science and is a dedicated teacher with high student evaluations in his large chemistry courses.
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This recent email exchange (below) suggests that Professor St-Amant has inside information about the University’s plan (see LINK) to dismiss Denis Rancourt.
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Professor St-Amant’s position (below) is aligned with the University Administration’s position regarding public discourse and accountability.
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QUESTION:
From: Denis Rancourt (Professor, Physics)
Sent: February 27, 2009 6:02 PM
To: Alain St-Amant (Chairman, Chemistry)
Cc: Andre E. Lalonde (Dean, Science); Allan Rock (President); Vice-recteur Etudes (VP-Academic); Nathalie Des Rosiers (VP-Governance)
Subject: Public discourse and academic freedom
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February 27, 2009
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Alain St-Amant
Chairman
Department of Chemistry
University of Ottawa
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Re: Public discourse and academic freedom
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Dear Professor St-Amant,
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You were scheduled to debate me on Rogers TV (Talk Ottawa) Thursday February 26 2009. But then I was informed that you cancelled at the last minute because of internal university pressure.
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This is very unfortunate. You have been outspoken on my blog UofOWatch.blogspot.com but a TV audience would be more beneficial.
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You have publicly stated that you recommend that our university colleagues contribute to the public discourse about my activities and contribute to setting the record straight, yet you refused to participate in the Rogers TV interview.
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I don't understand? You have academic freedom. You have tenure. You have opinions that you believe would benefit society, yet you accept to be muzzled by administrative or peer pressure?
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Please clarify. Why deprive the public of your insights and knowledge? Or, have you decided to spend the time instead increasing your scientific impact factor (h-index)?
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I am putting the administration in cc so that it can be alerted to this potential threat to academic freedom.
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Sincerely,
Denis Rancourt
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ANSWER:
Subject: RE: Public discourse and academic freedom
From: Alain St-Amant (Chairman, Chemistry)
Date: Sat, 28 February, 2009 12:35 am
To: Denis Rancourt (Professor, Physics)
Cc: Andre E. Lalonde (Dean, Science); Allan Rock (President); Vice-recteur Etudes (VP-Academic); Nathalie Des Rosiers (VP-Governance)
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Dennis,
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I refuse to enter a battle of wits with an unarmed man.
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(But for the record, there was zero pressure from Tabaret and it ultimately came down to me taking the advice of my trusted circle of colleagues, first and foremost my wife)
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This will be the last you will hear from me on this matter.
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Enjoy the paycheques while they last,
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Professor Alain St-Amant
Chair, Department of Chemistry
University of Ottawa
(613) 562-5769
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[Note: Tabaret Hall is the central administration building, U of O]
[Photo credit: University of Ottawa]
