English professor accuses U. of 'unreasonable' policies, harassment

Former Hill House faculty fellow and part-time English Professor Martin Orzeck has accused officials from Hill House, University Police and the English Department of misconduct and "ridiculous and unreasonable" policies. Orzeck alleges he was harassed by University Police and Hill House security guards and that the English department is attempting to eliminate his teaching position. But officials have denied Orzeck's allegations. Although he has not filed any grievances at this point, Orzeck said his accusations are serious because they shed light on larger problems with how the University handles both academic and privacy issues. According to Orzeck, Allied Security and University Police harassed him and his wife, Bethann Morrison, repeatedly while he was a Hill House faculty fellow. As a result of the incidents and a lack of response to his complaints about the alleged harassment, Orzeck and Morrison left Hill House two weeks ago. The difficulties arose when Orzeck refused to allow Allied Security guards to swipe his PennCard through the card reader. "I showed it to them but desk security said it wasn't enough," he said. "I refuse to allow the University to monitor my coming and going and I don't feel the University is entitled to that kind of paternalistic monitoring." Orzeck said, though, that his refusals were "respectful." However, Orzeck said, Residential Security and University Police officers came to his apartment twice last semester demanding to see his PennCard in a "harassing" manner. "It was very humiliating -- students gathered in the hall and it was simply a systematic violation of my privacy," Orzeck added. The two incidents occurred on October 27 and November 6. According to University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich, Residential Security responded the first time. The police log indicates that the University Police responded the second time, although it provided no detailed information, Kuprevich said. But he said the police action was appropriate and "nothing unreasonable" occurred. "Nothing was done to harass him," he said, adding that the process of swiping a PennCard checks the card's validity as a safety precaution and does not violate a person's privacy. "Any information is very much guarded and not open except to Public Safety when we're investigating criminal behavior [and] no one monitors people's comings and goings," he said. "If people violate the process [of swiping PennCards], security has broken down and actions have to be taken." Orzeck said Allied Security guards know the faculty in Hill House, and therefore should not require the validation of those PennCards. "Once they recognize us, why can't they let us come and go?" he said. Allied Security guard Tyrone King said Tuesday night he dealt with Orzeck and encountered no difficulties. "He always showed me his ID, I knew who he was, and it was never a problem," King said. Orzeck said he and his wife decided to leave Hill after winter break. They now live in North Philadelphia. Orzeck has run afoul of the law before. In 1991, Orzeck, who began teaching at the University in 1989, telephoned the White House, lost his temper, and called former President George Bush a "Nazi racist." He was subsequently questioned by U.S. Secret Service officers. In addition to his problems at Hill House, Orzeck said English Department administrators have "wrongly" refused to give him the opportunity to teach or advise independent studies after this semester. Orzeck said he thought a connection might exist between the two situations because they seemed "too coincidental." But English Department Chairperson John Richetti said Orzeck's difficulties are due to economic conditions and his part-time standing. "He decided he can't do [independent study work] if he's not being paid," Richetti said, adding that the University does not pay part-time faculty for doing independent study. Orzeck, however, said money is not the issue, adding that he does not want to "continue to nurture these advisee-advisor relationships." "The issue of reenumeration was never central and people in the English Department are trying to make it sound like all I want is money," he said. Orzeck had several independent study students lined up for this semester -- all of whom are being reassigned. As a result, he said, he is worried about his future with the University. But English Department Undergraduate Chairperson Al Filreis said Orzeck's concerns are unfounded. "Marty is not being run out," he said. And Richetti said Orzeck is a "fine teacher," adding that he hopes Orzeck will be able to teach next fall. "His latest troubles in getting assignments have to do with the unfortunate economic system," said Richetti. He added that the University gives first priority in class allocation to standing faculty, while providing part-time teaching for recent graduate students who may have trouble finding employment in today's job market. The process leaves all other positions open to other temporary faculty members, such as Orzeck. Filreis said Orzeck is "paid by the class" and his status with the University is purely temporary. But Orzeck said his departmental problems indicated a larger, University-wide issue of concerning how teachers earn standing faculty status. "I am being classified as a part- timer even though I have taught more classes than almost anyone else," he said, adding that the system does not fit with "common sense." Orzeck's students agreed, saying that the University gives preference to professors who emphasize research and publishing, instead of faculty members who teach well. But College of Arts and Sciences Dean Robert Rescorla said "scholarly activity" is important to being a standing faculty member, adding that most part-time faculty are not promoted to full-time professorships. College senior Jim Downs, a student and advisee of Orzeck's, called him "a really incredible professor." "I am so shocked this is happening to him," he added. Orzeck served as Downs' advisor for an independent study project he did last semester, and Downs said those who were to be advised by Orzeck this semester will "lose out."