A Clemson “Town Meeting” scheduled for next Tuesday is already showcasing the deep divisions that exist between University administration and certain members of the school’s faculty.
More importantly, the gathering is highlighting the administration’s desire to keep a lid on the discord.
Organized by professor emeritus Dr. John C. Bednar, the “Town Meeting” is currently scheduled to be held this Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00 P.M. in the Tillman Auditorium on campus.
Bednar’s invitation says that the meeting will provide “a good open forum of communication,” although many Clemson faculty, staff and members of the community haven’t been informed that it is even taking place.
Why not?
Well, the Clemson administration has refused requests by Bednar to publicize the meeting.
“The University does not publicize or otherwise disseminate information on behalf of private organizations or individuals,” Clemson attorney Clay Steadman wrote Bednar yesterday.
Clemson communications czarina Cathy Sams agreed.
“Public Affairs does not use university resources, including faculty/staff email lists, to promote events sponsored by private citizens or non-university organizations simply because they are held in rented campus facilities,” she wrote Bednar in an e-mail yesterday.
That’s funny, because we seem to recall Clemson using University resources to promote visits from Presidential candidates, such as then-Senator Barack Obama’s “Stand for Change” rally last January.
University resources were also used to promote a “Go Diego Go Live!” concert, and more recently, a local 4-H club event.
Based on recent faculty survey responses, this “Town Meeting” is clearly much more relevant than any of those things – and thus is something that everyone in the Clemson family should be made aware of.
The fact that the University is attempting to keep it a secret is sad … and potentially quite revealing.
By franksboy March 28, 2009 at 11:32 am
What can be said that hasn’t been said. The wagons have circled, the “Admin Staff” Soldiers dug in, Helms with Helmet, Sams with Sword, Steadman with Shield, Nichols with kNife, BOT in Battle Gear and Barker with Baton lined up and ready to lead their troops in protection of the favoritism, greed, discrimination, nepotism and total depravation of opportunity that they have so effectively grown under the cloaks of “it’s all OK. The data is incomplete and misleading, we checked with somebody and they said it was OK so, now that we’ve explained in detail, we’ll just go back to doing what we do best – rape, pillage and destroy the little people.” It’s a fierce force, remnants, it appears, left from a combination of Hitler’s Germany, Jones’ Jonestown and the Texas Polygamist fortress.
By Mabette March 28, 2009 at 11:51 am
Don’t try to blame all this on the Mormons! For crying out loud — they get dragged into things from coast to coast that they, who shun much of our media, HAVE NEVER EVEN HEARD OF!
There.
By slick March 28, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Is this not the kind of conversation that the admin at Clemson should be encouraging not repressing?
By 1-800-BS March 28, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Clemson ADMN should encourage it, and probably does play lip service to having open lines of communication.
Call me jaded — but ‘HR’ can encourage employees to report abuses until they are blue in the face — knowing full well that ‘Legal’ is already drumming-up witnesses to disprove the allegations.
By franksboy March 28, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Mabette – I deeply apologize if I offended you.
I, wrongly or rightly, feel that there are things going on within those fortresses that are not consistent with the will and rights of all within. And, I feel that there are measures in place to prevent or discourage anyone speaking out against their leaders. Call it fear – fear of retribution, fear of family shame or fear of the unknown world outside, I do feel strongly that, like the environment at Clemson, there are things that should be changed but the pressure is to much to allow the people within to make it happen.
But, I do realize that in your case, I am speaking of a deep rooted religion and life long beliefs that are your and the Mormon world’s right and privilege to believe and follow. And, Clemson is only a State supported institution chartered to provide a good education – but, with the moral duty to provide a safe, equal and fair working environment – an environment where people can work and be rewarded fairly for their effort, results and dedication. Unfortunately, that is not the case in today’s Clemson Workplace.
By A(nother) Citizen March 28, 2009 at 9:27 pm
The question is how many people will show up? What some don’t realize is that it IS that bad at the University. The Barker Mafia DO track names, and they DO ruin reputations to suit their own needs. Frankly, I’m surprised some of the usual suspects haven’t been rounded up and run out of town. As for the meeting, well, there isn’t much to say or do. Bill Hendrix has clearly said, “Give Jim whatever he wants.” The University certainly isn’t a democracy, and there is no way the Board will get rid of the Mafia.
What cracks me up about Barker’s salary excuses is how he talks about “the best” when none of his protection party have ever held another job outside of Clemson. Go ahead, check and see. Only 2 of his little Council have ever held senior positions away from Clemson.
Can’t wait to hear what happens….
By Bednar Is Bored March 28, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Dear God…. someone please find disgruntled retiree turned drama queen Bednar something to do with his free time.
By franksboy March 28, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Dear God – forgive “Bednar is Bored” for he knows what he speaks. And, keep the good Professor of strong body, mind and will to fight the Barker Mafia Buddies!
Yes, they track names, yes, they brutally attack anyone who complains, yes, they ignore sexual attacks on innocent victims, yes, they badger those victims until they leave, yes, they cover illegal acts, yes, they are selfish, yes, they are greedy, yes, they are ugly, yes, they will stop at nothing to protect their “circle”, yes, they are cheats, yes, Jim Barker is ringleader of scoundrels and, yes, all of the bad things that you’ve heard are true.
Oh, yes, they do make up looney tune rules and accuse their victims of breaking, yes, they fail to follow federal laws, yes, they allow and encourage VP’s to “play around in their offices” when they have “an urge”, yes, he gives lucicrous raises to people in the name of retaining talent when the same people have been there since 1975 and before and have never had a thought of leaving but, it’s a right good reason to give anyone questioning – of course, why should they want to leave Big Bucks, No Work, No Accountability except to say yes!
Protect some really nasty charactars – of course, the internet has been used for some pretty vulgar things but, well, it was a friend of one of the buddies.
Professor Bednar, don’t slow down, don’t let the pressure get to you – you might be the one strong force for what is good, right, fair and honorable at Clemson University. You’ve been forthright in your presentations and, god only knows why some action has not been taken against those you fight – but, we have to believe that the citizens of the State, the Faculty and the good, honest employees will find it in themselves to stand behind and support you.
By franksboy March 28, 2009 at 11:18 pm
PLease forgive my error dear Lord – I truly meant to say forgive “Bednar is Bored” for he knows not what he speaks”!! And help Bednar carry the good fight!!
By Bednar Is Bored March 29, 2009 at 1:16 am
franksboy = Mr. Bednar
By franksboy March 29, 2009 at 10:00 am
Bednar is Bored = Mr. Steadman
Thanks, I choose me! and the Alumni, friends and supporters of Clemson University as it has been and, hopefully, will return to when this horribly black cloud passes over.
Support Mr. Bednar, Mr. Troutman and the folks that are trying to make things right, once again, at Clemson.
By Mabette March 29, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Franksboy – no problem-o
I just like see if Sic will post some of my tirades. So far, I am batting at least a million.
He is no fan of Mitt Romney, you know…
By Mabette March 29, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Franksboy,
!Godspeed! to you, Mr. Bednar, Mr. Troutman, ALL THE OPPRESSED PEOPLE at Clemson, and any good lawyers you have found to help.
By Mabette March 29, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Remember? ‘The Mormons’ were IMMEDIATELY fingered for torching the Texas governor’s mansion, “in retaliation for the Texas CPS investigation.” Turns out, it was likely an inside job by a Texas DPS employee…the last I heard.
But nobody wants to talk about THAT. N-O!
By franksboy March 30, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Hey, Mabette!! I feel better, thanks.
A(nother) Citizen, you are exactly, not a nanocentimeter off – We know witnesses are pre-programmed but, what’s even worse is the very, hidden, humiliating strong arm tactics that are used to intimidate the victims. In one case, a young Clemson employee, who after running from and begging a Senior Clemson to stop, was sexually groped and had to fight off further attempts to perform unwanted “amarous” acts. The victim reported the incident to the Asst Dept Head (the individual’s supervisor), who in turn relayed it to a Department Head – That Department Head told the Supervisor to just “make it go away” – the victim was then taken into a room, door closed (being refused the privilege of having any chosen witness present), positioned across a table facing 5 Clemson male employees, Departmental Supervisory level (all of whom worked directly or indirectly for the Department Head). The Asst Dept Head then proceeded through a long demeaning tirade, cursing the victim, calling the victim vile names, belittling and threatening the victim with various types of retalliation to the point of bringing the person to tears, physically shaking and emotionally distraught – then, the victim was virtually thrown out with final threats on job, reputation and opportunity for any future. This again was bravely and properly reported. then, in meetings with the very people of Barker’s Staff that are hired and chartered to protect victims of this type gross, humiliating and illegal behavior- – the person was told that if she insisted on further investigation into the situation. “powerful” people would get angry” and that they could not do anything about that. So, their advice was “just quit, find another place to work”. This is a sickening situation – and, it is, truly and factually, carried on with the knowledge and condonement by Jim Barker, the Clemson(?) President.
These are travesties being experienced at Clemson that go far and beyond the concern that Prof Bednar is expressing – however, it is east to connect the situations if you only see who are getting the big, fat rewards for covering the dirt, administering the punishment to the victims/complaintants.
When Barker proclaims that the “facts are incomplete and misleading”,he is unintentionally telling a part truth. The facts on favoritism, nepotism and attempting to cover rewards given to those involved are only part of the facts that should be raised and published throughout the State of South Carolina. When you consider only the facts that have been brought out about the questionable antics of Mr. Barker and the salaries and the other facts working their way to the surface through Mr. Troutman’s suit, you must realize that these only reflect the compensation and financial wrongs being done to the students, parents, taxpayers of SC, the midlevel adminstrative employees and faculty. Far more detrimental to the mental state, the ability to perform their work and their pursuit of a career in the State (owned – the State, not Barker) University is the ugly face of sexual harassment, discrimination, retalliation in the workplace, bullying in and out of the office and tortuous emotional stress.
By hurtalumni March 30, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Typical Clemson…they want the public to think one thing, but they know the employees of Clemson think something totally different. They are just terrified to say anything at this juncture. But I hope and pray that those of you who have seen firsthand or have felt the iron first of the upper administration come down on them, PLEASE don’t be afraid. Speak up! This town meeting is the perfect place to do it. The upper administration won’t dare show up for this because they won’t have a “power point presentation” ready in time to hide the facts. It is your chance to vent your views of how this University needs new upper management, in fact, it needs a complete overhaul from Deans on up! Once the public REALLY sees what’s going on, then they will realize that we have a serious problem at Clemson that needs to be addressed. I’m amazed that parents paying such high tuition have not spoken up yet. That’s the problem with this country. Everyone just sits around and says “oh well”, pays the Clemson piper whatever tuition they want to charge. Get real parents! Join the fight because you are one of the main groups in this circus being screwed! I hope Tillman is packed to the maximum with those people who are BRAVE enough to finally stand up and make the upper administration face the music.
By Plantation University March 30, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Thank you Dr. Bednar for trying to expose the current corrupt Clemson Administration with Barker and Helms at the helm.
Helms abuse of power has gone beyond what anyone imagines. She decided to fire tenure faculty. Unfortunately, the faculty is kept ignorant of the administrators abuses.
Right now, Clemson has three Federal law suits. The news of Helm are being heard around the country and Clemson’s reputation is tarnished.
It is time that the Board of Trustees demonstrate integrity and fire the top administrators.
By hurtalumni March 31, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Just attended the town hall meeting, and was totally surprised at the turnout. There were maybe 75 people there and they were all (except one who had the nerve to speak up about the issues) in favor of the Administration! Where were all you people who have been ranting and raving over the Administration??? It’s so easy to express your view behind your email. But to not show up for the meeting where FINALLY the Administration could really hear the truth, is cowardly. How do you expect to change the way the University is run if you just sit behind your computers and hide? I am disappointed and disturbed. The supporters of Clemson’s administration are just plain blind or just sheep waiting to be herded by their Master Barker. I’m outa here and outa the circus. You want Barker and his cronies….you got ‘em. But don’t complain any more unless you have the guts to stand up and do something about it!!
By C-L-E-M-S-O-N April 1, 2009 at 6:25 pm
I heard Bednar got EMBARASSED at the town hall meeting. Apparently he didn’t know what he was talking about got caught in some lies. What an idiot.
By clemsonprof1 April 1, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I attended the Town Hall meeting. I left after 15 minutes, as Mr. Bednar was well into a typical snooze-inducing oration. I estimate that 40 to 45 people were present, not the 70 to 75 cited in other reports.
Many on the Clemson faculty object to the administrative pay increases that have gotten attention in FITSnews, as well as the decision, back in 2006, to pull the plug on what had been a rather feeble merit increase program for professors.
There are also serious problems in some of the Colleges, for which the upper administration is at least indirectly responsible. For instance, the Dean of the College of Business and Behavioral Science is grossly overpaid. He was expected to raise 10s of millions of dollars for the College; he hasn’t come anywhere near meeting that expectation. Instead, he has put his efforts into punishing virtually everyone who works in the College, driving morale into the basement.
The reason Mr. Bednar’s meeting drew so few supporters is that Clemson faculty members do not trust Mr. Bednar, and do not consider him to be an honest or capable advocate. If FITSnews is truly concerned about happenings at Clemson, it should inquire into Mr. Bednar’s stormy career at the university, and his early retirement.
By Mike April 1, 2009 at 10:42 pm
I also attended the meeting yesterday. I was very disappointed that the turnout was so poor. I am a staff employee and I know that many in my department are dissatisfied. Unfortunately, none of them had the courage to actually show up. I had 3 or 4 different people tell me that they were “afraid” to come in the current environment when RIFs are being threatened. Most everyone there was on the side of the administration, so they had little to be afraid of unless they actually spoke out. I couldn’t help but get the impression that the administration had orchestrated a campaign to make Bednar look bad. They basically had testimonials from a parent, an alumnus, a student, etc. There were also a lot of suits in the audience who seemed to be wanting to make sure everything went smoothly. I don’t really fault the administration for sticking up for themselves, but I do fault my fellow staffers for being too cowardly to show up. I’ve heard complaints about several of Bednar’s issues for years and then they were nowhere to be seen when he was raising them in a public forum.