OCC teacher reprimanded, reinstated: Four Muslim students said he called them terrorists in class

The Orange County Register ^ | December 12, 2001 | MARLA JO FISHER

[WillaJohns]

COSTA MESA -- A professor who has become a focal point for a national debate about academic freedom will return to class in January, after an investigator found that allegations by Muslim students who said he called them terrorists were mostly unsubstantiated.

[WillaJohns]

Here's an update, folks, on this controversy. My only comment about this article, is that it seems almost fair, although there are more critical comments than supportive comments from the students. Sort of strange from news articles these days. I mean, where's the spin?

I have gone to Orange Coast College, in fact, my last class was just a few semesters ago. I got my AA degree from OCC (I know, big deal), and it's a pretty good community college, IMO. I think it interesting that most student complaints disappear in a black hole; but these Muslim students' complaints climbed right up the ladder and became front page news in this area. Why are their complaints so "special?" Why are the threats against the teacher by the Muslim students discounted but the so-called threats by the teacher toward the Muslim students a cause celebre?

[wideawake]

"I think if he is a professor, he shouldn't talk about a student's religion," said Sinem Tellioglu, 19, a computer student from Turkey. "Religion is a personal thing."

I think if you're a foreign guest in our country, you should keep your f**king trap shut before it gets shut for you.

[pointsal]

Anybody checked their immigrations status? Are they getting student aid?

[OldFriend]

Wish the professor could know how much support he has out in the real world!! He wouldn't feel his reputation was diminished at all. He'd know that fair Americans are on his side.

[Cacique]

A FORMER MUSLIM PROFESSOR ON WHY HE LEFT ISLAM (click on picture)

The Hardcover edition.

[Bikers4Bush]

Those pieces of crap are free to TRY and get a better education in another country.

[WillaJohns]

Anybody checked their immigrations status? Are they getting student aid?

Strangely enough, haven't heard anything about their immigration status. Curious.....

[WillaJohns]

I think if you're a foreign guest in our country, you should keep your . . . trap shut before it gets shut for you.

Your sentiment is logical; we're not dealing with logic anymore.

[WillaJohns]

Those pieces of crap are free to TRY and get a better education in another country.

It is curious, if indeed they are foreign students, that they are at a COMMUNITY COLLEGE. I think of community college as an inexpensive college for locals. You've brought up several interesting questions: How and why do foreign students get into community colleges? What is the cost to them? It's fairly inexpensive for locals, but see below for how much it costs others:

Admissions & Records - Registration Fees

Registration Fees

All fees are due at the time of registration. Inquire at the Financial Aid Office, in advance, regarding financial assistance.

All Students
Enrollment Fees:	$11 per unit
Health Fee:	$12
College Services Fee:	$12
Student Photo Identification Fee:	$ 2.50 (replacement only)
Parking fee Spring & Fall:	$20.00
Parking fee Summer:	$10.00
Non-Residents:	$134 per unit in addition to the $11 per unit enrollment fee.
Non-Residents who are Citizens of a Foreign Country:	Non-residents who are citizens of a foreign country must pay an additional $8 per unit charge for capital outlay expenses.

 

If you are in the United States on a visa. The type of visa, date of issuance and date of expiration are required to determine residence status. International students seeking an I-20 for an F-1 visa must apply through the International Center at http://www.occ.cccd.edu/departments/studentsvcs/intstudents or by calling (714) 432-5940.

All fees are subject to change

 

Admissions & Records

714/432-5072

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Is this cheaper per unit than at a university?

[steve50]

Others in the class recorded the session under dispute. The recordings show the students who complained lied. I would think a false accusation against a teacher that could result in job termination would be reason to have these "students" get their education elsewhere.