Newly released documents reveal that Montana State University Billings (MSUB) placed two tenured professors, Jennifer Scroggins and Joshua Hill, on immediate leave. The university cites their voluntary email communications with Montana State inmates after class sessions as a “safety risk.” This decision forms the basis for MSUB’s move to terminate their tenure, alleging the professors misrepresented their romantic relationship, which they claim only recently began.
The termination proceedings began following the professors’ concerns about a prison education program. Issues raised included the feasibility of inmates earning degrees, potential exhaustion of federal loan eligibility, and possible retaliation by Department of Corrections officials against faculty pushing for answers. Hill, an economics professor since 2013, and Scroggins were informed of their leave on the first day of the fall semester, disrupting students who now face extended study periods.
University officials, declining to comment on personnel matters, have not addressed these concerns publicly. Travis Anderson, the Department of Corrections education director, deemed the professors’ email interactions a breach of prison policy, resulting in their ban from the program and facilities. Anderson reported the incident to the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation.
Hill, admitting a romantic involvement with Scroggins and criticism of the prison education program, claims the university uses it for profit without concern for inmates’ post-incarceration degree utility. He argues that MSUB’s actions aim to silence dissenting faculty. The faculty union, Montana Federation of Public Employees, has been criticized for its weak response, partly due to its dual representation of MSUB faculty and prison guards.
A 13-page memorandum by MSUB provost Lee Vartanian details allegations against Hill and references Scroggins. It highlights Anderson’s initiation of the investigation, citing DOC policy violations due to non-educational email content, including personal interactions and a photo of Hill with his dog.
Vartanian’s memo accuses the professors of dishonesty about their relationship, affecting university oversight and faculty responsibilities. Hill defends their actions, pointing out the absence of inappropriate behavior and dismissing the allegations as a tactic to stifle faculty concerns. Students, aware of Hill and Scroggins’ relationship, have voiced support, noting no impropriety in their interactions.
Students affected by the professors’ suspension express frustration over the university’s handling, which left many in academic limbo, uncertain about their graduation timelines. Tyrah Knudsvig, a student inspired by Scroggins, criticizes the administration for its lack of communication and disregard for student needs.
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