IOWA CITY, Iowa ― A judge has recommended the firing of an Iowa State University math professor, blasting his teaching style and lack of research and service after hearing the disciplinary case against him.
Moulay Tidriri should be dismissed after years of feuding with superiors and student complaints about his teaching, Administrative Law Judge Carol Greta wrote in a 27-page decision obtained by The Associated Press.
Tidriri, who joined ISU in 1996, deserves the “ultimate sanction”” for several reasons, including his repeated lack of cooperation with university officials trying to evaluate and improve his performance, Greta wrote in the Oct. 27 decision.
She cited Tidriri’s “unfavorable learning climate in his courses; his extraordinary lack of productivity in research; and his meager record of service to his profession.”
Provost Jon Wickert filed a disciplinary charge against Tidriri in January, alleging “substantial, persistent and manifest neglect of faculty duties” between 2008 and 2013. Tidriri chose to have the case heard by an administrative law judge instead of a campus committee.
Greta, who oversaw a four-day hearing in August, was asked to consider whether the university proved Tidriri’s performance was unacceptable for an extended period and if so, what sanction was appropriate.
The firing will become final within 20 days unless Tidiri appeals to ISU President Steven Leath. Tidriri, whose salary is $70,693, and his attorney didn’t respond to phone messages seeking comment.
