Outrage has sparked among the faculty and students of Tarleton State University following the non-reappointment of history instructor Ted Roberts. The decision seemingly stemmed from Roberts' confrontation with university administration over a significant increase in parking fees - a move he passionately criticized as "racketeering at worst, exorbitant at best," according to an email Roberts sent to parking services obtained by The Texas Tribune. This jump, from $105 to $400 annually, was part of the administration's move to fund more parking construction.
In a bid to openly discuss campus-wide concerns, university president James Hurley had scheduled a "listening tour." Roberts used this platform to challenge the president on the fee hike, even providing research comparing Tarleton’s rates with those of other institutions. During the meeting, which was attended by about 40 people plus additional virtual participants, the exchange between Roberts and Hurley was described as tense but cordial. Roberts was later summoned by acting dean Aimee Shouse and informed that he would not be reappointed. In a recording shared with The Texas Tribune, Shouse described the administration's quick knowledge of the event and labeled Roberts' behavior as "intolerable."
The fallout from this decision to effectively fire Roberts, a non-tenured but longtime faculty member popular among students, especially within the ROTC program, has raised concerns of a "chilling effect" on campus. The faculty senate, in a statement, expressed fears that the administration’s actions could deter faculty from voicing legitimate concerns. Echoing this sentiment, history department chair Jensen Branscombe highlighted Roberts' strong performance and involvement with the students. In letters to the administration, which were quoted in The Tribune, both the faculty senate and Branscombe defended Roberts’ track record and questioned the implications of his dismissal.
Rumors and dissatisfaction continue to circulate, as attempts by Roberts, who has strong military ties and a history of service, to seek a full explanation for the non-reappointment have been met with silence. According to the administrations' policy, they are not required to provide a reason. Roberts' appeal to provost Diane M. Stearns, also recorded and shared with The Tribune, also failed to yield a satisfactory reason. In Stearns' written response to Roberts, she stated, "that there are not adequate grounds to overturn the decision of non-reappointment." The absence of transparency has led to a lingering uncertainty about the faculty's security in their roles and the freedom to challenge university decisions.
The incident has not only left Roberts in an uncertain professional predicament but also appears to have struck a nerve within the academic community, prompting a discussion on the boundaries of faculty expression and the possible consequences of crossing them. With his termination set for June 28, Roberts, who daily visits his 84-year-old mother in the area, expressed his disappointment, adding, "At the very least, the university needs to answer questions about firing a veteran like that," as he told The Texas Tribune.
