This is in response to “U. of C. law school dean quits over relationship” (Metro, Feb. 6). I feel it necessary to set the record straight. Dean Daniel R. Fischel’s letter of resignation was a letter of gracious regret and principle, not as your article characterized it (“brimming with barely restrained bitterness”).
It should be known that the dean could not in good conscience continue in his position because of principle.
Your article completely omits the fact that a structure was created by the university and the law school last spring to comply with university policy concerning personal relationships. The structure was put in place because the law school and university agreed that Sylvia Neil was an invaluable player in the law school’s impending multimillion-dollar capital campaign. Dean Fischel took the university at its word that this structure was satisfactory to the university–and relied on these representations in designing a working arrangement for Ms. Neil.
When the university determined that the previously sanctioned contract arrangement with Ms. Neil was no longer satisfactory, Dean Fischel realized he could not meet the university’s fundraising goals without the ability to choose the people he needs to get the job done. Dean Fischel found it unprofessional and unethical to terminate the services of an individual who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the law school and the university.
Your article does not mention any of these facts.
Furthermore, Dean Fischel and Ms. Neil declined comment out of their abiding respect for and loyalty to the law school.
