Cal Poly’s first grievance hearing

November 18, 2010

For the first time in the history of Cal Poly, a dispute between a faculty member and administrators will be heard at a public grievance hearing to be held on Friday at 9 a.m. in building 33, room 290.

Journalism department professor Bill Loving filed the complaint after being forced out as department chair by Cal Poly Liberal Arts College Dean Linda Halisky in August. Loving is seeking reinstatement to his former leadership position.

“I am bringing my grievance because what the dean did to me and my job was wrong,” Loving said. “More importantly, it is time we had a little sunshine on campus.”

At the hearing, both sides will provide opening statements followed by four hours of witness testimony.

The fight started in 2009 over journalism professor Teresa Allen repeated complaints about Loving’s decision to move two staff members into her office while providing Allen a smaller space. In addition Allen contends she has been treated unfairly because of her gender.

Shortly thereafter, Halisky began working to remove Loving from the chair position.

A three person faculty hearing committee has 14 days in which to issue their decision.