“Professors Speak Out: The Truth about Campus Investigations” with Nicholas Wolfinger
Coming From Left Field podcast published May 2, 2025
Warm Greetings All,
In this podcast, our guest is Nicholas H. Wolfinger, a professor of sociology at the University of Utah, specializing in family demography, marriage and divorce, and social inequality. We discuss his recent book, “Professors Speak Out: The Truth about Campus Investigations,” which examines the often opaque and controversial processes surrounding campus investigations into faculty misconduct, particularly those involving Title IX, discrimination, and other institutional policies.
Drawing on firsthand accounts from professors who have undergone such investigations, Dr. Wolfinger highlights concerns about due process, transparency, and the potential for reputational harm—even in cases where allegations are unfounded or politically motivated. We discuss that accountability is necessary; however, current investigative systems frequently fail to balance fairness for both accusers and the accused. He calls for reforms to ensure greater transparency, impartiality, and faculty involvement in designing investigative procedures.
106 (May 2, 2025)
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Greg and I often receive preview desk copies of books from publishers or authors. As we mentioned in the podcast, we were not very enthusiastic about this topic until we read Dr. Wolfinger’s book. Both of us really enjoyed the content and how each chapter was a separate story, (often a horror story), that recounted each investigation. The arguments were strengthened by the fact that accused were both liberal and conservative professors, all the products of university administrative abuse.
Peace,
Pat