As members of the Associated Student Government, we are disappointed that Dan Seals, candidate for the 10th Congressional District in Illinois, has jeopardized the academic reputation of Northwestern. For the past three years, Seals has been a congressional candidate - first in 2006 and now for the 2008 election. With the district just north of NU, the campaign would normally pass unnoticed to most in the university community. It has unfortunately turned out to be quite the opposite this time around.
The School of Continuing Studies recently appointed Seals to teach a Special Topics class in Federal Policymaking one night a week for two months in Spring Quarter. While NU faculty members certainly have run for political office in the past, we are aware of no situation where the university has hired an active political candidate. Not only does this create a questionable legal dilemma, but it appears to be in violation of the rules and regulations as outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
Pages 16-17 of the handbook state:
"Outside activities must not interfere with University responsibilities. In no case may such activities be carried on either directly or by implication in the name of the University without the consent of the president of the University, who shall from time to time report such arrangements to the Board of Trustees. Consent should be requested through the appropriate dean's office. Faculty members shall not use the name Northwestern University in connection with outside activities in a manner that implies the university's sanction or support, unless the required consent has been obtained...
"When responding to inquiries in their fields of professional competence or acting as private citizens on issues of general public interest, faculty members may use their academic titles for purposes of identification but should make it clear that they speak, write, and act for themselves and not for the institution."
Seals repeatedly uses the title of "adjunct professor" on his campaign material, in debates and in interviews with the media, even though the university has publicly responded that he is only a visiting lecturer. His own political Web site states, "Dan is a business consultant and adjunct professor at Northwestern University."
2008 Woodie Awards
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Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
PFK
posted 4/12/08 @ 9:20 AM CST
I don't agree with your last point -- that Seals should or could not mention his employment at NU in his biography. Everyone has a right to say where they worked and in what capacity. (Continued…)
Jimmy
posted 7/24/08 @ 1:16 AM CST
Shocking that top Republicans would be so upset about this. I wonder who put you up to it...
Kirk
posted 7/24/08 @ 11:32 PM CST
This is really a petty and stupid "issue".
Of course, what can we expect from the Republican party - the people who gave us Willie Horton, the flag burning amendment, the gay marriage amendment, and George Bush?
Mark Kirk is a George Bush loving loser who voted for the war. (Continued…)
Alex Pancoe
posted 7/25/08 @ 10:47 AM CST
"Mark Kirk is a George Bush loving loser who voted for the war." It's people like you, who lump things into two categories (in this case republican and democrat)regardless of the complexity of the candidates and issues faced, that are ultimately responsible for turning America into a nation of ignorant, simple minded voters. (Continued…)
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