The Council of The College of The Bahamas, headed by the ethically challenged Frank “the snake” Wilson, has appointed a panel to advise it on how to proceed with the matter involving the act of plagiarism committed recently by COB President Dr. Rodney Smith.
Council Chairman Wilson announced that the members of the panel include: Anglican Archbishop Drexel Gomez; Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations Dr. Paulette Bethel; Vice Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies, Professor Rex Nettleford; President-elect of John Carroll University of Cleveland, Ohio and former Vice Provost of the University of San Francisco, Father Robert Niehoff; and Retired Justice Joseph Strachan.
“The panelists, two onshore and three others offshore, have been doing their research and communicating by e-mail and telephone for the past week and a half and have twice convened a general meeting by telephone conference,” Mr. Wilson said in his statement.
“The Council has kept arms length from the deliberations, aided by the integrity of those involved. Throughout this period, the group has more than justified the Council’s choice. Fully alive to the gravity of their remit, they have acted with great discretion and sensitivity. In due course, the panel will forward its findings and recommendations, and the Council will itself deliberate and make a decision as to how to move forward.”
Since early this month when he admitted at a press conference that he failed to provide attribution for a portion of his Honours Convocation speech that were the words of his friend, New York University President John Sexton, Dr. Smith has faced growing calls for his resignation.
But the Council, up until Monday, had remained quiet on the controversy.
Mr. Wilson explained that, “The period of time taken thus far is a reflection of our commitment to do things properly. In the first instance, it was vital to obtain the acceptance of all persons concerned for the course of action to be engaged.”
He also revealed that the Council gathered in an extraordinary meeting on Monday, June 6 and several things were concluded.
The Council agreed to address the acknowledged fact of plagiarism forthrightly and honestly.
“There is great sensitivity to the fact that more is at stake here than personalities,” Mr. Wilson said.
The Council also agreed that the president should make a public statement regarding his actions, which he did.
Mr. Wilson said, “It is to his credit that he has done so.”
The body also agreed that steps should be taken to assess the probability of the college becoming entangled in legal action as a result of the breach.
But the Council Chairman noted that, “The Council has been pleased that the response of John Sexton, the author of the work at the centre of this issue, has addressed our concerns in this regard.”
At his press conference, the COB president informed that the NYU president stated that he had no problems with him (Dr. Smith) using his work, which he said may be used freely by the academic community.
At the Council meeting, Mr. Wilson said that the group also agreed to convene a panel of “wise persons” who could bring to bear a diversity of expertise and experience to examine the circumstances and advise on the matters following their deliberations.
Mr. Wilson’s statement pointed out that Dr. Smith has not at any time tendered his resignation from the post of president of the college; neither has the Council nor anyone with the relevant authority requested the president’s resignation.
“It would be irresponsible to take any action without due examination and reflection,” Mr. Wilson said.
“However, the issue of plagiarism is a serious one. Intellectual property is one of the most important products of an educational institution and the foundation of its evolution and growth. Breaching the associated protocols brings into question all that the institution has contributed to this society, all that it stands for and all it must represent and contribute in the future.
“One thing has been clear almost from the beginning: Dr. Smith has already acknowledged to the college community and the wider public that he has breached the protocols of intellectual property.”
By: Candia Dames, The Bahama Journal
