tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37178657.post4025033007114918509..comments2024-02-27T11:48:20.327+02:00Comments on Writing The Wrongs: DisunionGS Don Morris, Ph.D./Chana Givonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14028217914514268498noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37178657.post-67632393630878809082011-12-29T22:54:44.462+02:002011-12-29T22:54:44.462+02:00To: Alana Newhouse, Editor-in-Chief, Tablet Magazi...To: Alana Newhouse, Editor-in-Chief, Tablet Magazine<br />From: Willy Stern<br />Date: Dec. 28, 2011<br />Re: Factual inaccuracies in Dec. 16, 2011 “Disunion” article by Adam Chandler<br /> <br />There are numerous factual inaccuracies about me in the Dec. 16, 2011, article by Adam Chandler titled “Disunion.” These inaccuracies are false and misleading, and causing me no shortage of headache.<br /> <br />At the heart of Mr. Chandler’s article is the charge that Hebrew Union College and I are somehow at odds. Nothing could be farther from the truth. All my communications with individuals at HUC—although nascent—have been positive, helpful and collaborative.<br /> <br />More specifically, these are the false claims:<br /> <br />The article refers to me as a “Vanderbilt Law Professor.” I am an adjunct professor of law, an important distinction in academia and one that the law school website makes clear.<br /><br />The article says that I am “active in the reform movement.” I am at best an occasional synagogue attendee, and I have no role in the reform movement. The main thrust of my connection to the reform movement is two recent visits to HUC campuses. I was on the Cincinnati campus once for a partial day (Nov. 3, 2011), and the NYC campus for about 90 minutes (Nov. 7, 2011).<br /><br />The article says that I “approached” the board of Hebrew Union College. I have never approached the board of Hebrew Union College.<br /><br />The article says that I “wanted to endow the school with a chair for a politically conservative scholar.” I have never had any discussion with HUC about endowing any sort of chair.<br /><br /> <br />The article says that “the proposed endowment might have scored the college upwards of a seven-digit award….” I have had no discussions with HUC about any such endowment.<br /> <br />The article says that “Stern’s offer was rebuffed.” I have never made any offer to HUC. I have never been rebuffed by anybody at HUC. I do have a sincere desire to work with HUC in a collaborative way to foster balance and tolerance through constructive dialogue in the greater Reform Judaism movement.<br /> <br />Mr. Chandler’s reporting of hearsay as alleged fact is not only irresponsible journalism but puts me in an awkward spot. It appears that Mr. Chandler may be reporting on my alleged activity by attempting to debrief HUC student(s) with whom I have spoken. This is a dangerous game and an irresponsible way to report facts. I think it’s also possible that he may have me confused with other potential donors, including my own parents, who had two meetings with HUC administrators about five years ago; at those meetings, various proposals were discussed about how to introduce conservative thinking to the curriculum at HUC.<br /> <br />Mr. Chandler’s false statements about me, and my interactions with HUC, are now being re-reported by other media, causing additional problems.<br /> <br />It is my hope and expectation that Tablet will publish this letter in full.<br /> <br />I can be reached at the contacts below (please do not publish contacts) if you wish to discuss.<br /> <br />With respect,<br /> <br />Willy Sterncrabbykeyshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13481754972517199986noreply@blogger.com