Montana State University-Billings students face academic turmoil as two tenured professors, Joshua Hill and Jennifer Scroggins, were placed on indefinite leave on the first day of classes. This sudden decision followed their submission of concerns about a program allowing state prison inmates to earn college degrees. The administration’s actions have left students in a lurch, potentially extending their time at the university.
On September 3, Hill, an economics professor, and Scroggins, who teaches criminal justice, were suspended by Vice Chancellor Lee Vartanian, causing widespread disruption. Both professors had full teaching loads, affecting students’ academic paths. Scroggins was integral to a new master’s level program, which now lacks sufficient faculty. The university has not disclosed the number of affected students or provided alternative solutions.
Faculty members allege the suspensions were retaliatory due to the professors’ criticisms of the prison education program, which they claim benefits the university financially from Pell grants but fails to offer inmates marketable degrees. This program, supported by some administrators, was a contentious issue raised with Vartanian, who has been at MSU-Billings since July.
Students Speak Out
Students have expressed frustration over the lack of communication and support. Many relied on Hill’s courses to complete their degrees, citing his unique teaching style that engaged them deeply in economics. “He doesn’t give you answers, he gives you tools,” said student Jeremiah Woods, highlighting Hill’s mentorship. Without these professors, students struggle to find suitable course replacements, which could delay graduation.
Students reported sitting in classrooms with no professors present, only receiving a syllabus and notice of class cancellations. Required courses like macroeconomics and microeconomics are now unavailable, complicating their academic plans. The university’s response has been criticized as inadequate and dismissive.
Termination Process at MSU-B
The faculty manual outlines strict criteria for suspension or termination, yet faculty believe the administration intends to terminate Hill and Scroggins without valid reasons. They suspect the professors’ whistleblowing on questionable program practices prompted this reaction. The union contract prohibits retaliation against faculty for exercising academic freedom or civil rights.
Despite protections for whistleblowers, faculty feel targeted. The Montana State system encourages reporting violations, promising protection from retaliation. However, faculty assert that inconsistent enforcement of disciplinary actions reveals selective targeting by the administration.
Prison Programs
Concerns over the Prison Education Program, formerly the Second Chance Pell Grant program, were central to Hill and Scroggins’s complaints. The program, administered by the College of Liberal Arts, grants Pell funding but reportedly delivers degrees that lack market value. Faculty argue that restrictive conditions hinder effective teaching, leaving prisoners without viable qualifications and ineligible for future Pell grants.
Students and faculty continue to challenge the administration’s transparency and fairness, seeking clarity and resolution to the academic disruptions caused by these suspensions.
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