By Christian Bell
NEWS CO-EDITOR
Professor Fred DeJong’s case regarding his arrest for possession of cocaine remains a closely guarded affair within Calvin, weeks after the event has taken place.
Still unknown are DeJong’s professional standing with Calvin and whether or not he will be able to or will choose to return to the college as a member of the faculty. While speculation has been rampant, DeJong is strictly prohibited from having any contact with faculty, staff, or administrators at Calvin until his case has been settled with the Professional Status Committee and President Byker and the Board of Trustees.
“The faculty conduct code under which we are operating calls for recommendations to be brought to the Professional Status Committee,” said Dean David Diephouse, “[the Professional Status Committee] advises the President, who then makes the official determination. Professor DeJong would then have a formal right to appeal the President’s decision to the Board.”
“The Professional Status Committee has now reviewed the recommendations of the faculty committee that heard the case, and there is a general consensus on what should happen, although two or three specific issues may still need further clarification,” Diephouse continued. “Given the steps still remaining in the formal process, however, it is likely to be awhile yet before any decision can be officially announced, even longer if Professor DeJong chooses to appeal, though I think that’s very unlikely.”
Until then, Professor DeJong’s remains confidential with Calvin. The Professional Status Committee explicitly agreed that the existing rules against contact with Prof. DeJong remain in place until the President has taken official action and Prof. DeJong has agreed to it.
“All of the parties involved, including the courts, the college, and Professor DeJong, are cooperating to achieve a positive outcome,” Diephouse added.
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