He Wouldn't Drink the Hemlock: the Firing of Dr. Leisure [Paperback]

George R. Harker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2002

Dr George R Harker not only gives the factual background on the events leading to his termination from Western Illinois University but also examines other issues facing today's university. It is apparent that studying nude beaches and the teachings of Socrates and Aristotle were not politically correct at Western Illinois University. While not formally charged, Harker was found guilty of the same circumstances as Socrates: impiety and corrupting youth. Unlike Socrates or Aristotle, Dr Leisure declined to drink the hemlock or to leave town. Harker is working to restore the concept of tenure and academic freedom at WIU. Without it the university is doomed to decline. Harker believes, "If the university is to be a place that fosters new ideas and creative thinking, then academic freedom and tenure must be held sacred and nurtured."

Editorial Reviews

Review

He explains in clinical detail in his book, subtitled "The Naked Truth," how and why the university decided to end their 21-year relationship. He meticulously documents meetings with university staff - with whom and when - and his union, the University Professionals of Illinois, Local 4100, IFT, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO...

The book in essence boils down to this: If an employer, be it in business, industry or education, wants to get rid of someone, they will find ways of doing so, contracts (or tenure in this case) not withstanding. -- Nude Professor, Dr. Leisure: Larger than Life by Alex Siodmak in Nude & Natural Vol. 16 No. 3 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

University fires foremost expert on nude beaches

Harker shares story on national network.

"Is nothing sacred?...By weakening Western's tenure, our instructors will be cheated, and in the long run, so will the students." Melinda Thompson, Western Courier, December 5, 1990

"WIU is now in the ridiculous position of trying to fire its best-known professor!" Elaine Hopkins, Peoria Journal Star, May 20, 1991

"Nude beach professor in demand... Ridiculous or not, Harker- who made an academic specialty of studying nude beaches - was fired last week by the trustees of the Board of Governors of State Colleges and Universities..." John M. McGuire, St. Louis Post- Dispatch, July 2, 1991

The wages of skin - Studying nude beaches may have plunged a Western Illinois professor into hot water --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 378 pages
• Publisher: Gazelle Distribution Trade; special Hawaiian ed edition (February 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887471316
• ISBN-13: 978-1887471312
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,759,758 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WHERE ARE THE OTHER PROFESSORS???, June 8, 2002

By 

Patricia D. Minter (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: He Wouldn't Drink the Hemlock : The Firing of Dr. Leisure (Hardcover)

Dr. Harker describes in detail and with back up how you can work for an institution for so many years and get thrown out after assuming tenure counts for something. And in most universities it does.
What disappoints me about the book is that his fellow professors did not stand up for him like they should have. This too could happen to them. Perhaps they thought their tenures would be threatened by taking his side. Or perhaps due to their lack of contributions to the department, felt threatened by him and his publications.
With his documentation, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND how all the different jurisdictions, hearings and proceedings, along with union representation, did not take care of him.
He should SUE, SUE, SUE all the bastards! Surely there is justice with the right representation somewhere. Listen up fellow professors and help him to help yourselves.
Last question, does President Wagoner and Dr. DiGrino have tenure? If so, all Professors should be alerted that they could be next.
BUY THE BOOK AND HELP YOURSELF..

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting account of what can happen when you don't fit in, March 31, 2002

By 

J.B.S. (Illinois, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: He Wouldn't Drink the Hemlock : The Firing of Dr. Leisure (Paperback)

Harker goes into great detail about how Western Illinois University, a very Conservative institution, (I know...I graduated from there), railroaded a man they didn't like. A great read for nudists, students, and anyone interested in the politics of academia.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WHERE ARE THE OTHER PROFESSORS???, June 9, 2002

By 

Patricia D. Minter (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: He Wouldn't Drink the Hemlock : The Firing of Dr. Leisure (Hardcover)

Dr. Harker describes in detail and with back up how you can work for an institution for so many years and get thrown out after assuming tenure counts for something. And in most universities it does.
What disappoints me about the book is that his fellow professors did not stand up for him like they should have. This too could happen to them. Perhaps they thought their tenures would be threatened by taking his side. Or perhaps due to their lack of contributions to the department, felt threatened by him and his publications.
With his documentation, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND how all the different jurisdictions, hearings and proceedings, along with union representation, did not take care of him.
He should SUE, SUE, SUE all the bastards! Surely there is justice with the right representation somewhere. Listen up fellow professors and help him to help yourselves.
Last question, does President Wagoner and Dr. DiGrino have tenure? If so, all Professors should be alerted that they could be next.
BUY THE BOOK AND HELP YOURSELF..