Progressive Geographies

Over at his Scholar as Citizen blog, Bill Cronon posts the University of Wisconsin-Madison responses to the Republican request for access to his emails here. I know that some of the initial reactions suggested that unless he had something to hide, there was no reason to refuse the request. The legal letter explains why following the crudeness of the initial request would have included a whole lot of irrelevant material, but concludes:

You should further note that the e-mails that we have reviewed contain absolutely no evidence of political motivation, contact from individuals outside normal academic channels or inappropriate conduct on the part of Professor Cronon.  The university finds his conduct, as evidenced in the e-mails, beyond reproach in every respect.  He has used his university e-mail account appropriately and legitimately.   He has not used his university e-mail account for any inappropriate political conduct. 

Of course, I guess the Republicans didn’t actually expect to find much. But I wonder if the main purpose has still been served: that of worrying people and making them unwilling to take a stand because of the repercussions. I can’t even begin to conceive of the way Cronon’s life must have been transformed by these events.

The last lines of the Chancellor’s letter are good too:

This does not mean that scholars can be irresponsible in the use of state and university resources or the exercise of academic freedom. We have dutifully reviewed Professor Cronon’s records for any legal or policy violations, such as improper uses of state or university resources for partisan political activity. There are none.

To our faculty, I say: Continue to ask difficult questions, explore unpopular lines of thought and exercise your academic freedom, regardless of your point of view. As always, we will take our cue from the bronze plaque on the walls of Bascom Hall. It calls for the ‘continual and fearless sifting and winnowing’ of ideas. It is our tradition, our defining value, and the way to a better society.

The links from Kris Olds for news reports on Bill Cronon have now been fixed. Please let me know if any still don’t work. Sorry about the previous ones which tried to take you through my Durham University email. No conspiracy theory necessary.