MIT professor resigns to protest colleague’s tenure denial

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A prominent Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor has resigned to protest the university’s treatment of a colleague who claims he was denied tenure because he is black, school officials said Monday.

Frank Douglas, executive director of the MIT Center for Biomedical Innovation, wrote in an e-mail obtained by The Boston Globe that he will leave at the end of the month because MIT refused to reconsider its decision not to grant tenure to James Sherley.

MIT said in a statement it “deeply regrets” the decision by Douglas, who is also black. It also said it never agreed to revisit Sherley’s tenure application.
“We believe [Douglas’] decision is based on inaccurate information, and we sincerely hope that once we have an opportunity to meet with him and clarify the facts, he will reconsider his decision,” the university’s statement said.

Sherley, a stem cell biologist, was turned down for tenure two years ago when his department head did not nominate him. He claimed racism, but MIT officials denied the allegation. His faculty appointment expires June 30, but he said Sunday he will not leave until MIT re-examines his case.

Sherley held a 12-day hunger strike in February to focus attention on “issues of equity, diversity and justice at MIT and in higher education.”

A special committee created to examine Sherley’s tenure review found no evidence of discrimination.

Sherley learned about Douglas’ e-mail last Friday.

“This is a courageous act by someone who has a lot of character and concern for African American faculty,” he said. “And it raises the broader issue of why this administration treats African American faculty members differently than others.”

(Associated Press)

Sheriff Cabral, leading Mass. legislators endorse Hillary Clinton

Sen. Hillary Clinton received the endorsements of Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea Cabral and 11 leading Massachusetts legislators on Tuesday, reflecting the New York Democrat’s growing support in the Bay State.

Cabral’s announcement came on the heels of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s endorsement of Clinton on Sunday. Clinton now has the support of U.S. Reps. Jim McGovern and Richard Neal and 30 state legislators.

“I’m supporting Hillary Clinton because I want what’s best for the country,” said Cabral. “Her grasp of foreign and domestic policy issues is extraordinary, and she has the respect of leaders around the globe. She’s ready to do the job right now and that’s exactly what we need.”

Cabral’s sentiments were echoed by state Sen. Michael Morrissey, who praised Clinton’s experience and vision, and state Sen. Robert Antonioni.

“It’s going to take a strong leader to end the war in Iraq and begin repairing our image around the world, and Senator Clinton is that leader,” said Antonioni.

State Dept. of Public Health devotes $600K in anti-crime funding to hospitals across Mass.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced last Thursday it had awarded $600,000 in grants to six hospitals across the state that care for the largest number of gunshot and stabbing victims.

“Addressing violent crime requires a comprehensive approach that includes early intervention and prevention,” said Gov. Deval Patrick, who announced the funding alongside several members of his administration and anti-crime advocates before a meeting of the Governor’s Anti-Crime Council at the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester. “This Department of Public Health initiative is an important step in ensuring that individuals and families feel safe on our streets.”

The funding will support staff training programs and enable hospitals to hire violence intervention advocates to work in their emergency rooms during key hours. These advocates will provide early outreach to victims of violence and provide services designed to prevent further acts of violence.

DPH offers similar intervention models for suicide attempts, sexual assault and domestic violence.

“Victims of violence suffer from problems like post-traumatic stress disorder and are far more likely to be re-injured due to a violent act,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. JudyAnn Bigby. “By adding this kind of intervention to their medical treatment, we can identify effective ways to break the cycle of violence that affects too many of our communities.”

The six hospitals that will receive DPH anti-crime funding are UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester; Lawrence General Hospital in Lawrence; Bay State Medical Center in Springfield; Brockton Hospital in Brockton; St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford; and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

“Good public health is about prevention,” said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach, who accepted the DPH post earlier this year after stepping down as head of the Boston Public Health Commission. “The Department of Public Health is committed to partnering with hospitals across the state to establish meaningful intervention strategies that address the causes of violence — not just the effects.”