Faculty members call for Clinton intervention

Three faculty members accused the University of Arizona and Dean of Humanities Charles Tatum of "racist and sexist practices" in a letter to the president dated March 12.

The latest in a long string of controversies within the department surfaced after Tatum decided not to renew the contract of Tolagbe Ogunleye, an assistant professor.

"The university's obstinate refusal to renew Dr. Ogunleye's contract is the culmination of the incessant harassment, mistreatment, disrespect and discriminatory practices she has endured," the letter states.

Faculty members appealed in January to Gov. Jane Hull, R-Ariz., asking her to help end alleged discrimination within the UA Humanities College stemming from the removal of a former africana studies director.

Hull reviewed the letter, but will not take action because she lacks sufficient information about the situation and does not believe intervening is part of her position, a spokesperson from her office said.

Faculty began asking for outside help and filing complaints after Tatum replaced Mikelle Omari, now an art professor, with an interim program director.

Both Omari and Ogunleye filed complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Two investigations found Omari to be a victim of discrimination, and the EEOC not yet has responded to Ogunleye.

Tatum refused to comment on Ogunleye and Omari's employment because of the pending EEOC complaints and Omari's lawsuit against the UA.

However, Tatum objected to the allegations of racism within the humanities college.

"That's a preposterous charge," he said. "As a minority myself, I have a great deal of sympathy and empathy for the troubled history of African Americans."

Ogunleye said she hopes the letter will encourage Clinton to "step in and speak with (UA President Peter) Likins." She and other faculty have written letters to Likins, but he has not offered any help, Ogunleye said.

She said two separate committees, selected by Tatum and acting Africana Studies Director Julian Kunnie, recommended continuation of her contract.

But Ogunleye is still scheduled to be terminated at the close of this semester.

The letter continues to state a number of other alleged mistreatments within the department, mostly surrounding Kunnie's position as acting director.

Tatum said the department is in capable hands under Kunnie, adding that he is committed to the program.

But the core faculty want the reinstatement of Omari and Ogunleye, and the removal of Africana Studies from the College of Humanities.

Omari's case is scheduled to go before a jury in January, 2000, she said. Ogunleye also plans to file a lawsuit regardless of the outcome of the EEOC investigation.