University of Idaho Faculty Senate voted on education policy drafts and discussed COVID-19 testing availability for students.
An academic freedom and diversity policy recommendation drafted by the Idaho State Board of Education was given support by faculty after a vote.
Russell Meeuf, faculty chair, said UI’s institutional policies should mirror the ISBE’s and provide detailed outlines of the academic freedoms for higher education learning.
The academic freedom policy highlights opportunities in public secondary education for faculty members. The draft says classrooms should be free of any retaliation, discrimination and the chance to explore controversial subjects.
The political climate in the Idaho legislature was referenced many times by members with policy drafts having potential to challenge recommendations from outside entities.
Meeuf said he plans on reaching out to neighboring universities’ faculty to gather a consensus on recommendations.
UI Executive Vice President and Provost Torrey Lawrence updates the senate on COVID-19 guidelines, with masks still required inside of university buildings. Lawrence said current COVID-19 guidelines will be reevaluated by Sept. 20. With the number of COVID-19 cases increasing, it would require a serious turn in direction for masks to no longer be required in buildings.
“We’re going to continue to evaluate this as we go along,” Lawrence said.
Faculty Senator Deborah Thorne raised concerns over the cost of COVID-19 tests because UI no longer provides free testing for students, staff and faculty. Dean of Students Blaine Eckles said the funding for tests came from federal funds and would require the university to cut other costs for tests to come back.
Eckles said if students are struggling financially to afford a copay for a standard COVID-19 test, faculty can send them to his office. He said donations from the Bruce and Kathy Pitman Emergency Fund can assist students in emergency circumstances.
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Jorge Valdez-Scanling
So although the rhetoric coming from the UI administration is consistently "We're going to do everything in our power to prevent the spread of the virus," what they really mean is, "We're going to do whatever we can so long as it is financially expedient and we will pass along as many costs as possible to our victims...er...students!" Then, instead of coming up with solutions, they'll point the fingers are others. What a bunch of clowns!