University of Idaho administrators addressed questions from students regarding Denise Bennett, Vandal Alerts and the future of the School Journalism and Mass Media Monday afternoon.
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) Dean Sean Quinlan placed the tenured professor on leave Jan. 24 after exhibiting unprofessional conduct toward him and another employee. UI then issued a Vandal Alert, warning anyone who saw Bennett on campus to call 911, sparking anger and student protests on campus that same day. The alert also said Bennett admitted “to police of meth use and access to firearms.”
JAMM Director Robin Johnson said he recognizes the department’s facilities need to be updated. According to Johnson, a two-room workshop will be built next to or attached to the current Radio-TV Center, the facility where Bennett taught many of her classes.
Administrators in attendance at Monday’s meeting were: Robin Johnson, the department chair of Journalism and Mass Media; John Wiencek, Provost & Executive Vice President; Sean Quinlan, the Dean of the College of Letters Arts and Social; Torrey Lawrence, Vice-Provost for Faculty; and Dean of Students Blaine Eckles.
Wiencek said although the non-disclosure of certain details in Bennett’s case can be frustrating to students, it remains necessary while personnel matters are handled.
“Obviously the Vandal Alert wouldn’t have been issued if there wasn’t concern about something happening,” Wiencek said.
Wiencek said the matter is ongoing, as Bennett remains an employee of the university.
“I can assure you that due process has been followed,” Wiencek said.
University of Idaho officials hosted a meeting with students regarding Denise Bennett’s administrative leave Monday.
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Ryan Benson, administrator of the Students for Denise Facebook page, expressed his disappointment that the meeting between administrators and Bennett’s students took so long to come about.
“I think it’s important for to realize the university without students is nothing,” Benson said.
Both Dean of Students Blaine Eckles and Quinlan spoke about an “open door” policy for their offices and encouraged students in attendance to come and talk. Quinlan said there will be dialogue regarding how grant money is handled in CLASS.
Eckles echoed this statement and said he is willing to talk with students about their concerns regarding courses. According to Quinlan, JAMM faculty will continue to teach Bennett’s classes until a new long-term plan is established.
Fourth-year JAMM student Hunter Funk expressed anxiety for the JAMM department’s reputation, citing the negative national attention Bennett’s leave attracted for UI and JAMM. Wiencek agreed and said the faculty and administration is looking to heal.
“We need to start putting more positive news out there,” Wiencek said.
Elizabeth Marshall can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @EJMarshall
Correction: A previous version of this article misstated Sean Quinlan’s position and the name of the School Journalism and Mass Media, as well as Denise Bennett’s name.