Executive Committee Resolution Regarding the Allegations Against Coach Kyle Flood

Whereas recent allegations that Head Football Coach Kyle Flood initiated communication with a part-time lecturer about an F grade she or he had assigned to a football player have caused concern within and outside the University community, so that, quite properly, the University has initiated both internal and external investigations; and

Whereas academic freedom is an essential component of quality higher education and the freedom for faculty members to assess students’ work without external pressure is an essential component of academic freedom; and

Whereas the integrity of all Rutgers diplomas – past and future – depends upon the integrity of a grading process free of external interference; and

Whereas it is essential that the University act decisively and publicly to maintain its credibility;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Executive Committee of the New Brunswick Faculty Council urges the University to carry out an investigation that includes all possible communications between Coach Kyle Flood and the instructors of football players, with particular attention to possible intimidation or bullying of vulnerable, contingent faculty; and

Be it further resolved that the University should commit itself now to the full disclosure of the results of the investigations undertaken in relation to these allegations; and

Be it finally resolved that the university should publicly affirm its commitment to academic freedom, the integrity of the grading process, and the separation of coaching and academic staff.