Thursday 20 May 2010

Fruitbatgate - The case for academic freedom

WARNING THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DESCRIPTIONS OF A SEXUAL NATURE.

Why did I have to put that header? Well I open myself to the possibility that I might be repremanded the same way as Dr Dylan Evans because in discussing his case I have to mention  the cause of it all. Dr Evans has been found guilty of sexual harassment by his employers University College Cork because he showed colleagues an article from PLOS One (A journal in which I have published as well and for which I review) which was titled "Fellatio by fruit bats prolongs copulation time."

One of his female colleagues objected saying that she felt harassed and "disgusted". This was the final act in Dr Evans "inappropriate" behaviour as he had kissed her on both cheeks and had complimented her on her appearance.

Here is a blog discussing the case:
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2010/05/bat_sex_is_not_protected_by_ac.php

Here is the evidence presented at the case and the UCC statement regarding the release of confidential information.
http://felidware.com/DylanEvans/

Here is the Telegraph article about the case
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/7734926/Academic-disciplined-over-fruit-bat-sex-paper.html

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