Michigan professor says he s been systematically discriminated against for 40 years for being a white man as he demands apology from university over its new anti-racism policies
Jeffrey Burl wrote to his employers, Michigan Technological University, after they passed a resolution criticizing anti-Blackness and systemic racism
In his letter Burl, who is an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, writes: I find this resolution particularly offensive I have been systematically discriminated against for 40 years , he adds
His message has sparked outrage among some students, with Michigan Tech alumni Timothy Ward creating a petition to demanding he be fired
Burl goes on in his letter, sent in January: At Michigan Tech, I have seen no signs (in my 28 years here) of discrimination against women and people of color
gneese@mininggazette.com.
Wadsworth Hall as seen on March 25, 2020, on the Michigan Tech University campus in Houghton. The university has come under fire recently after two members of the faculty sent letters to staff members in response to a University Senate resolution. (Houghton Daily Mining Gazette photo by Garrett Neese)
HOUGHTON Members of the campus community related their experience with discrimination locally and at the university during a Michigan Tech University Senate discussion on a recent anti-discrimination resolution and two campus letters from faculty protesting it.
Public comment was extended from 15 minutes to 45 minutes then extended twice more to accommodate speakers.
gneese@mininggazette.com
Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette
Wadsworth Hall as seen on March 25, 2020, on the Michigan Tech campus. The university has come under fire recently after two members of the faculty sent letters to staff members in response to a University Senate resolution.
HOUGHTON Members of the campus community related their experience with discrimination locally and at the university during a Michigan Technological University Senate discussion on a recent anti-discrimination resolution and two campus letters from faculty protesting it.
Public comment was extended from 15 minutes to 45 minutes then extended twice more to accommodate speakers.
In December, the Senate approved a resolution calling anti-Blackness and systemic racism ills on par with poverty and disease, and making steps to remedy it part of the university’s core mission. It also called on awareness of the problem to be part of every graduate’s education, and part of the continuing education f
Michigan university in turmoil after white professor says he’s faced discrimination for 40 years
Updated Feb 06, 2021;
Posted Feb 06, 2021
Dr. Jeffrey Burl s letter demanding an apology for Michigan Technological University s resolution condemning hate speech, racism and white supremacy.
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A northern Michigan university is facing backlash from students and alumni who say the school lacks in diversity and inclusion and creates an unwelcoming environment.
The issue at Michigan Technological University in Houghton was sparked in recent weeks after a white professor demanded an apology for a faculty resolution condemning hate speech, racism and white supremacy. Dr. Jeffrey Burl, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, wrote a letter in response, which said he has been discriminated against as a white man for 40 years.