An Internet site proclaiming to "Everything Else You Need" forthe Ball State University community, bsyou.net, has recently postedan article claiming that Dr. George Wolfe abused academic freedomsin the classroom. I wish to lay aside these false and erroneousclaims.
In the article, Brett Mock states that PeaceWorkers, arecognized student organization with Ball State University, wasfounded and headed by Dr. Wolfe. This is not the case. Dr. Wolfeacts as a faculty advisor to the organization, but it is notinvolved in its leadership. PeaceWorkers was started not by GeorgeWolfe, but by a group of students that included myselfapproximately two and one half years ago. Our group was inspired bystudent peace activist groups at other universities and decidedthat Ball State needed an organized student group. We saw thepotential in the group from the strong undergraduate Peace Studiesminor offered by the University and the services sponsored by theCenter for Peace and Conflict Studies. After several informalmeetings, our group garnered the support of the Center for Peaceand Conflict Studies and recruited Dr. Wolfe as an advisor. It wasa dedicated student group that developed guidelines, by-laws, andculture for the organization and sought recognition of PeaceWorkersas official Ball State University student organization. Dr. Wolfedoes have a role within this organization. He provides insight,aide and ideas as the advisor. However, his role ends there.
PeaceWorkers would not function without the students thatcomprise and give purpose to it. They are the heart and soul of thegroup, as my own experience exemplifies. Although Dr. Wolfe helpsto temper ideas, the leadership for the student organization hasalways come from within. When I was forced to step aside from theorganization upon beginning graduate study, I was quite pleasedwith the leadership structure that I found would be succeeding mytenure within the organization. The group of young leaders whotoday make up PeaceWorkers demonstrate integrity, intelligence,determination and drive. They do so not under the supervision ofDr. Wolfe, but with his support and guidance as an advisor.
Although, I understand that the University must take all claimsmade by students about abuses in academic freedom very seriously. Ihave little doubt that the evidence will show that there is no suchabuse by Dr. George Wolfe. However, public reputation is not alwaysas forgiving as academic reputation. It is for the reason that Iwrite this letter not only to the officers of the Provost and theDean of University College, but also the editors of the Ball StateDaily News and the Star Press. I feel I cannot be silent and letDr. Wolfe's good reputation be tarnished by false claims. Dr. Wolfeis a great and wise academic, and I hope all will find thiscontinuing to be true.
Tony Piazza
Former President, PeaceWorkers
Graduate Assistant, CICS
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
