Table of Contents
Bellevue Community College Named Leader in Diversity
Earlier this month, FIREreported that Bellevue Community College (BCC) decided to suspend Professor Peter Ratener for a week without pay for his now infamous math question featuring Condoleezza and a watermelon. BCC has still not reversed this decision, which is set for arbitration.
While BCC’s overreaction to Ratener’s question has outraged fans of free speech and fundamental fairness, it has pleased others. The organization , a group dedicated to “implementing programs to improve the higher educational, professional and managerial employment of minorities,” has dubbed BCC one of the “Nation's Leading Colleges and Universities Committed to Diversity.” BCC issued a press release on Monday, evidently rather proud of its new appellation.
Sadly, one can’t help but think that BCC’s decision to hang Ratener out to dry—and to sacrifice justice, forgiveness, and fundamental fairness—contributed to its distinction as a leader in diversity.
Recent Articles
Get the latest free speech news and analysis from ֭.
FIREanswers your questions
Podcast
Texas runs afoul of the First Amendment with new limits on faculty course materials
Free speech advocates rally to support ֭’s defense of First Amendment protections for drag shows