Conservative Law Prof Doesn’t Get Emeritus Status

Former University of Montana law professor and outspoken conservative Rob Natelson has been denied his request for professor emeritus status, a decision he called “petty” and “inexplicable.”  Natelson, who retired in May 2010 after serving 23 years as a professor in the law school to take a job as a senior fellow with the Independence Institute, was informed upon his return to Montana in June that the law school faculty had voted against granting the constitutional scholar emeritus status.

Natelson has been an outspoken advocate for the conservative movement in Montana, leading ballot initiatives, hosting radio talk shows and twice running unsuccessfully for governor.  For years, Natelson said he’s had to fight for a sabbatical, course assignments, reimbursement for legitimate travel expenses, and he doesn’t know if he has the energy to appeal the decision regarding emeritus status to the provost, UM president or the Montana Board of Regents.

Law School Dean Irma Russell says she could not speculate as to why the faculty denied Natelson’s request.  “The faculty considered the standards set forth by the policy,” she said. “Each faculty member has to make a judgment and vote their conscience.”  Read the full article here .  Missoulian Photo/Kurt Wilson

Is this a case of liberal academia sticking it to the conservative?  Or is this a cautionary tale encouraging one to get along with their co-workers?