Fact Check: "In her resignation letter, Terrell warned colleagues that she felt Tulane’s leaders 'have chosen to abandon the principles of knowledge, education, and the greater good in pursuit of their own narrow agenda.'"
What We Know
Kimberly Terrell, a researcher at Tulane University, recently resigned, citing concerns over censorship from university leadership regarding her work on environmental issues and racial disparities in Louisiana. In her resignation letter, she explicitly stated that she felt Tulane's leaders "have chosen to abandon the principles of knowledge, education, and the greater good in pursuit of their own narrow agenda" (AP News, Inside Higher Ed). This resignation was prompted by what she described as a "gag order" imposed on her and her clinic, which she claimed hindered her ability to speak publicly about her research (NOLA, WDSU).
Analysis
The claim that Terrell warned her colleagues about Tulane's leadership abandoning core educational principles is directly supported by her resignation letter, which has been reported by multiple reputable sources. The Associated Press, Louisiana Illuminator, and Inside Higher Ed all quote her resignation letter verbatim, confirming the accuracy of the statement (AP News, Louisiana Illuminator, Inside Higher Ed).
The context surrounding her resignation adds weight to her claims. Terrell's work focused on the health impacts of the petrochemical industry in Louisiana, an area of significant concern for local communities, particularly those labeled as "Cancer Alley" due to high rates of pollution and associated health issues (AP News). The university's leadership reportedly faced pressure from state officials and donors, which Terrell argued compromised academic freedom and integrity (NOLA, WDSU).
The sources reporting on this incident are credible, with the Associated Press being a well-established news organization known for its journalistic standards. The Louisiana Illuminator and Inside Higher Ed also have reputations for covering educational and environmental issues thoroughly.
Conclusion
The claim that Terrell warned her colleagues about Tulane's leadership abandoning the principles of knowledge, education, and the greater good is True. This assertion is substantiated by her resignation letter and corroborated by multiple reliable news sources, which report her exact words and the context in which they were made.
Sources
- Texas Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board ... Link
- Tulane scientist resigns citing university censorship of pollution and racial disparity research Link
- Tulane scientist resigns, citing 'gag order' on environmental Link
- Tulane Environmentalist Resigns Amid Research “Gag Order” Link
- Tulane environmental researcher resigns, citing 'gag order' Link
- Tulane scientist resigns citing university censorship Link
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