Hey, this is kind of cool. As I'm typing, there should be a protest rally going on at the University of Southern Mississipppi (USM) in Hattiesburg. I attended college there for five quarters back, ahem, a number of years ago. When I was there, the apathy was so thick you could choke on it. So it's nice to see the students really engaging over an issue. After the protest rally, they have a prayer vigil scheduled. But, no, the protest is not over a religious issue.
It's a protest supporting two professors, English prof Gary Stringer and anthrologist/sociologist Frank Glamser, who were dismissed from their tenured positions for what looks like nothing more than criticizing the controversial and unpopular university administration of president Shelby Thames. In this photo at least, Thames looks like a swaggering Delta planter with the social outlook of Trent Lott and the personality of Donald Rumsfeld.
And his actions seems to bear that out. I think it's great that the students are protesting in solidarity with the professors in defense of the professors' free speech, against what sure sounds like a bad school administration and in favor of their own demands for quality education. Good for them!
There are some indications that Planter Thames is already backing down under the pressure, but it's early to tell. Here are some articles on the conflict:
2 tenured USM profs forced out Jackson Clarion-Ledger 03/06/04
Thames wants public hearing Hattiesburg American 03/09/04 (includes a photo of protesters)
USM students protest ousters Jackson Clarion-Ledger 03/09/04
Thames era marked by controversy (editorial) Hattiesburg American 03/09/04
The USM Student Printz has a number of articles on the controversy (03/09/04 edition).
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