To The Editor:
I read an article written by Steven Andrews on 2/19/2004, entitled “Students accused of plagiarism: Papers failed by a computer program,” and was appalled at what I read. Within the body of the article, you have three major players. The administration is regurgitating its traditional standard form and procedure, quoting rules and protocol, and generally playing the public relations game – nothing to see here folks, move along. Professor Curt Naser is doing precisely what he ethically should be doing, and refusing to comment until the proceedings regarding this issue are concluded. The “journalist” compiling this article is therefore left with the understandably biased views of students and parents who refused to be named. As the bulk of the article is, therefore, comprised of quotations from a (or were there more – the journalist is never clear) parent, and a student that does not wish to be named, you have essentially attempted to exonerate the students’ supposed actions while condemning Naser. Lest we make the argument that the reason there is bias is due to Naser’s commendable silence, read with me, again, the first paragraph: Imagine being charged with plagiarism by a computer program and failing the course, then having the teacher refuse to read the paper in question over in person to make sure the computer made no mistake. (Andrews, 2/19/2004) Mr. Andrews, might I ask where you attained that information? Was that an official release from a Fairfield administrator, a direct quote from Naser, or was it biased information from one of the accused? After reading that first paragraph, I was ready to tar and feather whatever professor would even consider doing that, until I noticed the stock photo, and realized it was Naser. During my senior year at Fairfield, I completed my honors thesis jointly under Professor April Hill and Naser, and prior to that project, I had had Professor Naser for two other classes – Hegel and the Ethics of Research. While I cannot speak for this particular class, I can say that it has been my own personal experience that Naser is not only clear in his expectations regarding plagiarism and standards, but also is exceedingly flexible in ensuring that all work can be completed – provided that he is appropriately notified. Unbiased news may not sell papers, but yours is free to the community anyhow, so do not vilify an excellent educator and a fine, honorable man because sensationalism sells. Ask, instead, why these four unnamed students – and not the entire class membership – are in this position in the first place. Surely something was suspicious in their papers, and that they incorrectly cited their sources is not an excuse. And finally, Unamed Parents of the Accused, if you’re reading this, stop going to bat for your children. They’re all over 18 now, and you aren’t doing them any favors by trying to intervene in these affairs. Your children need your support, guilty or innocent, not mommy or daddy coming in on a proverbial white steed to save the day. If your children are innocent, their innocence will be validated by this investigation, and if they are guilty, it is better they were caught now. Unethical behavior breeds unethical behavior, and such behavior is unworthy of a university I am proud to call my Alma Mater.
Sincerely,
Chad Puclowski, ’02
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