As previously reported by 1819 News, Auburn University is taking steps to ensure that its faculty and teaching staff comply with the state law.
Recently, AL(dot)com, in an apparent reaction to 1819 News' coverage, offered its take on the new guidance and requirements. The first story gave an inside perspective on the changes at the university, with psychology professor Chris Newland saying he "believes the compliance forms and new guidance are connected to posts written by conservative blog 1819 News."
"The posts call out specific classes and professors for violating the anti-DEI law," AL(dot)com's Williesha Morris wrote.
"It's hard to see how it cannot be connected. It's troubling," Newland told the outlet without elaborating on what he found concerning.
The ongoing investigative series included stories on course materials being used in a "Crime and Justice in America" which included queer criminology, which includes lessons on radical gender ideology that contradict Alabama's definition of sex, critical race theory —the notion that the Black Lives Matter movement has been a positive influence on the nation and other progressive theories on race and racism."
1819 News has confirmed with multiple sources that the teacher who was teaching the class was relieved of her duties and a new instructor was assigned. The teacher is still with the university, and Auburn University did not respond to a request for comment about the replacement.
1819 News also reported on the use and promotion of a diversity, equity, inclusion and justice toolkit on campus. The faculty responsible for it wrote in a journal article that they feared inciting "backlash" following the divisive concepts law, so they rebranded the kit "community and belonging." Following inquiries by 1819 News, the toolkit was removed from Auburn's website.
A new toolkit is now being offered that promotes compliance with state law.
"This optional rubric is intended as a self-assessment or departmental discussion tool to help faculty determine that course syllabi and course content reflect Auburn University's standards of academic freedom, objectivity, transparency, and compliance with Alabama Act 2024-34 (Ala. Code § 41-1-90 et seq.)," the new one begins.
In a second story, based on a leaked recording of a November 12 faculty senate meeting, AL(dot)com's Morris references 1819 News but not by name, instead calling it "a conservative blog."
"The compliance forms were sent weeks after Sen. Tommy Tuberville posted on Facebook a conservative blog entry on an Auburn criminology course," the report said.
Provost Vini Nathan reportedly said, to her knowledge, "no one has been terminated because of an SB 129 complaint."
General counsel Jaime Hammer told those in attendance at the faculty senate meeting, "There are no direct legal ramifications to signing or not signing a form."
According to the story, "Complaints would be classified as an academic grievance or an Office of Equal Opportunity complaint, but only 'if a student complains that a faculty member is truly compelling assent to a divisive concept."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected]
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning, or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
