The University of Louisville is now claiming we’re violating the law by publishing emails that contain no confidential information. Note, however, that UofL spokesperson John Drees didn’t bother returning our calls for comment on the matter but has the gall to allege we’re fabricating a story.
Let’s check out UofL’s cryptic news release (PDF Link):
Sept. 26, 2008
Contact: John Drees
502-553-9793
John.drees@louisville.eduUofL outraged at release of student records
Information on Internet blog is incorrect, possibly illegalLOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville has learned that a local internet blog has printed incorrect information about a degree program and a student’s academic career.
The university expressed its concern at the release of the records, which may violate the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
“The University takes seriously its obligation to protect our students’ records and privacy,” said University Provost Shirley Willihnganz. “We are outraged that anyone would violate that trust.”
The program in question, the Bachelor of Science in Workforce Leadership, is offered through the university’s College of Education and Human Development. It is designed to allow mid- to advanced-career level working professionals to receive academic credit for their workplace learning experiences. In addition, students complete a program of core competencies with a concentration in workplace performance, career and technical education or executive development.
Two hundred thirty eight students currently participate in the program.
The degree program was created in response to a request from the Council on Postsecondary Education and has been praised by Greater Louisville Inc. and Kentuckiana Works as a model program that will help the commonwealth reach its 2020 goal of doubling the number of college graduates.
“This program clearly benefits the community, which has asked us to develop programs that will help in workforce development. And it benefits hundreds of individuals who wish to further their education,” Willihnganz said.
More information on the degree is available at: http://louisville.edu/education/degrees/exec-perform.html
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A couple points: If there was major concern, why didn’t John Drees return telephone calls? Why didn’t Shirley Willihnganz email us directly? We have worked with her in the past and have communicated via email.
We have reviewed the leaked information we published time and time again. We can find no super-private confidential information. There are no grades, no specifics. Just communication among University of Louisville employees discussing ways to fake a degree by doing all the portfolio work for a major donor.
This is called damage control and it’s ridiculous. The administration can retaliate against faculty and staff and put out nasty press releases suggesting some ominous threat by an unnamed website but doesn’t have the guts to contact us with their alleged concern?
Absolutely disturbing and disheartening.
We have called on both houses of the state legislature to open an inquiry into the myriad scandals at the University of Louisville. Our requests were welcomed and taken seriously. We can only hope that the threat of legislative action will be cause for concern for the individuals damaging the international reputation of the University.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Flag // Sep 29, 2008 at 10:58 am
SW should be advised that people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
2 jake // Sep 29, 2008 at 11:06 am
Shirley and Jim should also be advised that violating the WHISTLE BLOWER ACT could put the University of Louisville in an absolutely terrible spot.
3 Novena // Sep 29, 2008 at 12:44 pm
“What Woke Up Shirley?”
It’s interesting (and not unexpected) to see what it took to get SW outraged about things. What was it? A rich donor. Where was she when she needed to protect faculty, staff, and other students in the CEHD? Did she believe any of the 21 ex-faculty who pleaded with her to investigate the scandalous behavior going on in the Ed. Bldg.? Did she have a blind eye to possible sexual harassment, gross administrative intimidation, and a hostile culture of fear run rampant? Only the prospect of pleasing a wealthy, loyal benefactor seemed to wake her up. How sad, how unfair to all those others she was called upon to serve.
4 Always Amazed // Sep 29, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I hope Adam Walser or Mark Hebert does a news story about this becuase it will never see the light of day in the C-J.
5 Karen // Oct 31, 2008 at 10:15 am
I am not surprise as the intimidation at the U of L is not limited to this department. It is all over. the University laws and policies are merely on paper. If the University would enforce thier own laws instead of firing and intimidating people this would be a good place to work.
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