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 from May 21, where Provost Robin Forman reportedly discussed a meeting between Tulane University leadership and elected officials. According to a source, during this meeting, officials questioned Tulane's position on the chemical industry, specifically its impact on communities. The statement suggests that this inquiry made some attendees feel "embarrassed and uncomfortable" (source).
Provost Forman has a significant role at Tulane University, overseeing academic affairs and advising the university president on various matters (source, source). His comments, if accurately reported, would reflect a notable tension between academic institutions and industry stakeholders, particularly regarding environmental and community health issues.
Analysis
The primary source for this claim is an audio recording cited by the Associated Press (AP), which is generally regarded as a reliable news organization. The AP's reporting indicates that the comments made by Forman were not only about the university's stance but also about the reactions from elected officials, which adds context to the claim (source).
However, the claim lacks direct access to the audio recording itself, which means we cannot independently verify the exact wording or context of Forman's statements. The absence of a transcript or a direct quote from the recording limits our ability to fully assess the accuracy of the claim.
Moreover, while the AP is a credible source, the interpretation of Forman's comments by other outlets or individuals may vary, potentially introducing bias or misinterpretation. The context of the meeting and the specific questions posed by elected officials are also crucial for understanding the dynamics at play.
Given that the claim relies on a secondary report of an audio recording, and without further corroborating evidence or direct access to the recording, it remains somewhat ambiguous.
Conclusion
Needs Research. While there is a basis for the claim in the reported comments by Provost Robin Forman, the lack of direct access to the audio recording and the potential for misinterpretation necessitate further investigation. To fully validate the claim, it would be beneficial to obtain the audio recording or a transcript to confirm the context and content of Forman's statements.
Sources
- Robin Forman | Tulane University Provost
- Tulane Expert Robin Forman
- Robin Forman | Tulane University News
- Leadership and Administration - Tulane University
- Senior Administration | President - Tulane University
- Robin Forman | Future of Energy Forum at Tulane University
- Office of the Provost | Tulane University Provost
- Tulane scientist resigns, blames school censoring of pollution & racial disparity research
