Grove City College has received notice that the membership of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) voted in favor of lifting a sanction imposed on the College more than 50 years ago. The historic vote took place at the AAUP’s 2016 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.
“Grove City College is pleased with AAUP’s membership vote, and we especially appreciate the association’s assistance in achieving a complete resolution of this issue. Being on the censure list for 53 years was not representative of what we are as a faith-based institution and doesn’t reflect our long-standing commitment to fairness and respect for our employees. The College is a wonderful environment for scholars to thrive professionally,” College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said.
In 1963, Grove City College was placed on the AAUP’s censure list following the dismissal of then-history professor Larry Gara. The AAUP determined Dr. Gara was not afforded sufficient due process.
The College entered into discussions with AAUP officials in 2013 in an effort to resolve the matter. Believing it was the right thing to do, the College last year reached out to the 93-year-old former professor to acknowledge that under procedures in place today, Dr. Gara’s situation would have been handled quite differently than it was years ago.
“Grove City College is built on an uncompromising foundation of principled leadership, ethical standards, and personal integrity – characteristics that our faculty and administration aspire to every day. Resolution of this matter is a recognition that Grove City College values and respects academic freedom and due process,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Robert J. Graham said.