This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, March 8, 2013 - Moving quickly to lay this week's controversies to rest, the new dean of the Saint Louis University law school has asked students to help him move "into the next phase of this great law school’s life."
In a note distributed to the student body on Thursday, former Missouri Supreme Court Judge Michael Wolff acknowledged the bad publicity raised by the resignation earlier this week of interim dean Tom Keefe amid allegations he had made comments that were politically incorrect -- or worse.
"Like you," he said, "I have been distressed by reports of behavior and remarks that are disrespectful of individuals and groups. Any such behavior and remarks have no place here; they are distractions from who we are and from our essential mission of teaching, learning and serving in an inclusive environment."
But, Wolff added, the situation should not detract from the strengths of the school and a situation that truly feels "like a family."
He said that he plans to call student meetings soon to solicit ideas to make the school better and give updates on the upcoming move to a new building downtown.
'Our values, our traditions and our ideals make SLU LAW an outstanding institution and community," the note said.
Here is what Wolff sent out in its entirety:
"The statement that our remarkable faculty and staff distributed to you today reaffirms our shared commitment to teaching, scholarship and service in pursuit of the Jesuit mission. As importantly, the statement reaffirms our core principle of maintaining an environment for our students and the entire law school community that is respectful, inclusive and welcoming.
"The reason that I agreed to be dean is my belief in you and your devotion to SLU LAW’s core principles and values, which include:a commitment to the highest standards of professionalism; honesty, intellectual integrity; and respect for, and caring for, the whole person.
"When I returned full time to the faculty in 2011 my faith in those principles was reinvigorated. I taught an evening section of Civil Procedure, and I saw how these busy students – with the stress of employment, law school and familial obligations – cared for their fellow students when they suffered illnesses or had to be away from school to attend to a dying parent. I knew that I had returned to a community that truly felt like a family.
"Like you, I have been distressed by reports of behavior and remarks that are disrespectful of individuals and groups. Any such behavior and remarks have no place here; they are distractions from who we are and from our essential mission of teaching, learning and serving in an inclusive environment.
Our values, our traditions and our ideals make SLU Law an outstanding institution and community.
"There will be open forums organized by Dean of Students Jon Baris, Professor Marcia McCormick, and Lisa Taylor, director of multicultural affairs, for students to express their concerns to staff and faculty immediately following Spring Break. Student Services has sent the dates and times to you.
"In early April, the Student Bar Association will hold a forum at which I will report on the state of our law school and our plans for the move to the downtown law center. As in the past, I want to hear your views to help guide us as we move into the next phase of this great law school’s life.
"As we turn the page from recent events we should remember some of our remarkable strengths:
"A dedicated and capable faculty. As you know we are losing several talented faculty. We wish them well; they are our friends, and we are sorry to see them go. I hasten to note that we have a deep bench – the faculty members on the fall schedule have an average rating by their students exceeding 4.5 out of 5. This is extraordinary – we value great teaching, and we continually strive to be better.
"A top notch Health Law program whose scholars, graduates and students are recognized as leaders in this field, and whose advocacy is widely respected;
"Clinical programs, including the Catholic Legal Assistance Ministry, whose faculty, cooperating lawyers and students provide a wide variety of legal services for those who cannot afford a lawyer and provide students with excellent real-world practice opportunities;
"Our strong and diverse alumni base whose service to our school has allowed us to teach and learn with unparalleled access to the legal profession;
"A caring and helpful staff. Everyone who works in these buildings is important to our educational and justice mission.
"I thank all of you for your good will, your good wishes and for inspiring us and one another by the persistence and dedication you bring to your educational pursuits and career preparation.
"Sincerely,
"Michael A. Wolff
"Dean and Professor of Law"
Michael Wolff is a donor to the Beacon.