On Friday I got word from Monash University that Rabbi Dr Shimon Cowen “is no longer an associate at Monash University”. Today I see on Twitter that “he holds an adjunct/honorary role (unpaid) at the uni”.
Perhaps it’s a case of semantics, but it strikes me as a little odd that someone who is not an associate of the university can hold an adjunct/honorary role at the same time.
https://twitter.com/#!/MonashUni/status/171435166173106176
What this effectively amounts to is that Monash University has not distanced themselves from this homophobe and is willing to bestow upon him an official Monash University email address, thereby continuing an association with him. In doing so they potentially tarnish their reputation by affording him and his disreputable views some credibility.
Not good enough, Monash University. If you want to look like you are distancing yourself from Cowen, it would be helpful to actually do so.
Mikey Bear, in response to your comment, we would like to say:
Monash University is home to freedom of expression amongst our diverse staff and student population and encourages expert academic views, however Dr Shimon Cowen is not commenting on behalf of the University or the Faculty of Arts and the University does not endorse his comments. Monash University reiterates its respect for the dignity of all human beings, regardless of sexual preference.
If the “expert academic views” that you encourage that come from Dr Shimon Cowen allow him to concoct the dog’s breakfast of hate that appears in his name on the AFA web site, then I suggest Monash University should consider checking his academic credentials. As it stands they are not befitting of any sort of association with your fine institution.