Fact Check: "In a May 21 audio recording obtained by the AP, Provost Robin Forman said that when Tulane leadership met with elected officials in April, they were pressed as to why 'Tulane has taken a stand on the chemical industry as harming communities.'"
What We Know
The claim centers around an audio recording allegedly made on May 21, in which Tulane University's Provost, Robin Forman, purportedly discusses a meeting with elected officials. During this meeting, Forman is said to have been questioned about Tulane's stance on the chemical industry and its impact on communities.
As of now, there is no publicly available audio recording or transcript to verify the specific statements made by Forman. The context of the claim suggests that Tulane University has taken a public position on the chemical industry, which is a significant assertion that would require substantial evidence to substantiate.
Provost Robin Forman has been in his position since September 2016 and oversees all academic aspects of Tulane University, advising the university president on academic matters (Tulane Expert Robin Forman, Robin Forman | Tulane University Provost). His role involves collaboration with various academic deans and the development of strategic plans for the university (Office of the Provost | Tulane University Provost).
Analysis
The claim relies heavily on the existence of an audio recording that has not been made publicly available. Without access to this recording or a reliable transcript, it is impossible to confirm the accuracy of the statement attributed to Forman. The Associated Press (AP) is a reputable news organization, but the claim's verification hinges on their ability to provide the audio or detailed context surrounding the statement.
Moreover, the assertion that Tulane has taken a stand on the chemical industry raises questions about the university's public policy positions. While Forman's role as Provost includes involvement in community engagement and academic leadership, it is unclear what specific actions or statements have been made by the university regarding the chemical industry. This lack of clarity makes it difficult to assess the validity of the claim.
Given that the claim is based on an unverified audio recording and lacks supporting documentation or public statements from Tulane University, it is essential to approach this assertion with caution. The credibility of the claim is further complicated by the absence of direct evidence and the potential for misinterpretation of Forman's comments.
Conclusion
Needs Research: The claim about Provost Robin Forman's statements regarding Tulane's stance on the chemical industry cannot be verified at this time due to the lack of accessible audio or transcript evidence. Further investigation is required to ascertain the context and content of the alleged remarks, as well as any official positions taken by Tulane University on the matter.
