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Columbia Noose Professor Likely to Be Fired for Plagiarism

by PEP | June 24, 2008 at 11:07 am | 449 views | 6 comments

Alleged plagiarism outed in Columbia University professor's case--but are there racial overtones? After Madonna Constantine claimed she found a noose hanging on her office door, some have said she manufactured the incident to protect herself from ongoing investigations.

This case is certain to create a firestorm of controversy. At the same time, it also makes it clear: plagiarism is still not acceptable.

A black Columbia University professor who made headlines after a noose was found hanging on her door was suspended indefinitely for plagiarism and likely will be fired.

The termination of Madonna Constantine, a psychology professor with a focus in racial issues at Columbia’s Teachers College, is effective Dec. 31, 2008, pending an appeal.

"I can confirm that Madonna Constantine has been terminated subject to a hearing before a faculty committee," Teachers College spokesman Bill Anderson told FOXNews.com.

In a letter sent out Monday, Teachers College President Susan Fuhrman and university Provost Tom James said an investigation found that Constantine was guilty of plagiarism and of trying to cover it up by accusing those whose work she stole of plagiarism.

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Rhonda J Mangus

at 13:10 on June 24th, 2008

good stuff:

PEP, I like this story. It's good stuff.

PEP

at 04:48 on June 25th, 2008

Rhonda, thanks for the read and the flag.

Jennings David L

at 17:56 on June 24th, 2008

good stuff:

PEP, good report. I don't believe the two incidents, plagiarism, and the noose, are necessarily linked. This will be an interesting case to watch unfold. I'm also a bit perplexed about the 6 month termination date.

PEP

at 04:49 on June 25th, 2008

Very good point about the six months, indeed. Thanks for the flag.

BigT

at 17:59 on June 24th, 2008

good stuff:

Maybe it was the chauvinistic, Euro-centric, elitist school that forced her to compromise her principles and copy someone else. Did you ever think of that PEP?

On a less sarcastic note, don't you just love it when people fabricate a truly horific thing (like hanging a noose outside your door) to cover up their own wrongs? Making up noose stories takes away from real wrongs.