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Loyola - Chicago Dean Responds to Criticism(And to Above the Law Commenters)

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Yesterday, we reported on a law student at Loyola – Chicago who was very unhappy with how one law school course was being taught. Today, Dean David Yellen responded to the critics, in an email to the entire law school community:

Dear Students,

By now, many of you have read or heard about the “Above the Law” item regarding our third year student who complained to me about Accounting for Lawyers. I thought I would give you a little additional information.

After the student e-mailed me (and the entire class) late Monday night, I spoke with Professor Ramirez early Tuesday. He was already planning to meet with the student, which he did that day. They had a very good discussion, after which the student e-mailed me apologizing for the tone of his e-mail and saying that he was pleased with Professor Ramirez’s plans for the rest of the semester. The student concluded, “I have, for the most part, truly enjoyed my experience here at Loyola and this experience will not change my belief that I chose the right law school for me.” I was proud of the student for acknowledging a mistake in sending the e-mail.

Yesterday, the student wanted money back for having to take the class. We assume that didn’t happen.

But after the jump, Dean Yellen expresses disappointment in the students who commented on yesterday’s post.


The Dean didn’t throw his professor under the bus:

Professor Ramirez agreed to take on a course he had never taught before. The course could be taught as a sort of “Accounting 101” or more like “Accounting and the Law.” Given his background and interests, and in light of the profound legal and accounting issues raised by our extraordinary economic condition, Professor Ramirez decided to teach it more like the latter. I apologize that we may not have clearly enough communicated with students that the course may be taught differently from the way it has been taught in the past. But I have heard from a number of students that Professor Ramirez’s course has been timely, interesting and challenging.

But he does bristle at some of the ATL commenters:

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As the father of three adolescent girls, I don’t think I am too easily shocked by what young people say. I have to say, though, that I was really taken aback by the tone of some of the comments posted on Above the Law. I know that these more extreme comments came from only a tiny fraction of our wonderful students. Please show some consideration to a student who had a bad moment. And if you have complaints about our faculty or administration, how about coming in to talk about it, or coming to a Town Hall Meeting? We welcome good faith criticism, which helps us improve. We are by no means a perfect institution, but my colleagues on the faculty and in the administration really are on your side. Especially in these tough, anxious times, we really do want to help, even if we sometimes fall short in our efforts.

As many of you know, we’ve hidden the comments — for your protection. But Dean Yellen is right that the “extreme” comments come from only a “tiny fraction” of the ATL commenter community.

At least the Dean is listening. Students want to be heard; addressing their concerns is usually a good move. Dean Yellen has decided to hold a Town Hall meeting next Tuesday:

Dear Students,

I will be holding a special Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, April 28 at noon in Room 1103. I will discuss and answer questions about the “Above the Law” incident, the new U.S. News rankings and anything else on your minds. In addition, I will describe a possible”bridge year” program that we are developing to assist our graduating students in pursuing their professional objectives during an extremely challenging economic environment. I really hope you will join me.

Sincerely,
David N. Yellen

Ah yes, the “‘Above the Law’ incident.”

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Only a few more days left until finals are over. Hopefully students will be able to keep it together a little while longer.

Earlier: The 3L Meltdown: A Loyola – Chicago Law Student Wants a Refund

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