Law School `Insensitive' On Gay Issue -- Actions Harsh, Not Discriminatory Against Uo Instructor, Report Says
EUGENE, Ore. - University of Oregon Law School administrators showed a lack of sensitivity to campus homosexuals in their handling of a controversy involving a homosexual law instructor, according to a report by university President Myles Brand.
However, the report found no evidence that the administrators' actions amounted to discrimination against instructor Greg Johnson.
``Actions taken by the law school were too harsh and insufficiently sensitive to the concerns of gays and lesbians on this campus,'' Brand said. ``But there is nothing to suggest that any of this was prompted by any discriminatory intent.''
The controversy erupted in October after some students objected to Johnson's comments and complained to administrators.
Johnson discussed his homosexuality in a class on ``National Coming Out Day'' after reviewing with students a U.S. Supreme Court case involving gay rights.
Johnson, who teaches legal research and writing, also read a statement from a homosexual group called the Radical Faeries and a poem titled ``The Fairies are Dancing All Over the World.''
Law school Dean Maurice Holland and Associate Dean Chapin Clark contended that Johnson was asked to read the statement because he discussed matters that didn't relate to the course's subject matter, not because he revealed his sexual orientation.
A few faculty members and students called for Holland's resignation. They complained that Holland's handling of the dispute underscored a pattern of insensitivity to issues of diversity and academic freedom.
Clark issued a public apology in late November, saying it was insensitive to have asked Johnson to read a statement in class that many construed as a forced apology.
Brand said Johnson's disclosure of his homosexuality was relevant to the classroom discussion. But he said he does not believe Johnson's academic freedom was infringed upon.
``I'm happy that he found that the administration overreacted,'' Johnson said. ``That was my point all along. It was the extra step of being asked to read a statement in class that I found objectionable.''
Johnson said he intends to discuss his homosexuality next fall on National Coming Out Day.