The University has spoken.

"We're pleased that Professor Kaplan has finally submitted his account of what took place in the classroom on Feb. 15th. It's clear from the various accounts of what took place that day that there is a disagreement over what was said and the context of the remarks, but it's also clear that his remarks were deeply hurtful to some individuals, and for that, Dean Davis has apologized."

That's a final quote from university spokesman Dennis Chaptman. The professor has released a statement of what he probably thinks he said in the classroom. I'm sure his intentions were good, but I too hope that type of lecture style will be re-examined for its effectiveness.

We all know some ethnic slurs are off limits, and many opinions best left unexpressed because they are irrelevent. Who cares whether he thinks the Hmong should have been settled in Wisconsin or Colorado, and is that the best way of teaching the material at hand?

In some ways, I am a skeptic. We are humans. Psychologically, some folks like to pick. Occasionally I do it myself, you know. If someone in a position of power with a freewheeling style adapted his methods to who was sitting before him -- but in that "picking" way, well it might not be so effective. This is not the Socratic method. It's serious stand up.

Asian students and those coming from distinct teaching methods might tolerate this method, but why not focus on the legal materials at hand and less the gaming? If the presentation unconsciously benefits a certain type of student (imagine Borat "sucker teaching"), then you are not really promoting mastery of the material. It's kind of a psychological mind game, who can play best my game?
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Timing-wise:
This weekend is admitted students weekend at the law school. Local tv news covered yesterday's statement as "Professor denies charges". Hmong students say they are disappointed (essentially it's them being told half a month later, they "misheard" and are poor thinkers).

Personally, I think the statement reflects -- in hindsight -- what the professor wishes he would have said in the classroom. Chosen his words better in presenting fuzzy examples of the material.

"It's clear from the various accounts of what took place that day that there is a disagreement over what was said and the context of the remarks."
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SMILE OF THE DAY:

Btw, this is my favorite line slipped into the 3-page document:

As to what happened in my Legal Process class February 15, the context is critical. In that class, I was doing my job as a professor of law. I was teaching my students that the law is an obstacle to, rather than an instrumental tool for, the needs of displaced ethnic groups.

Very Madison! Heh.