Latest news with #Kleinschmit
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois university sued after professor alleges he was fired for objecting to race-based hiring policies
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is facing a lawsuit over its racial hiring quotas after a former professor claimed he was illegally "retaliated" against for objecting to its allegedly discriminatory practices. Professor Stephen Kleinschmit was a clinical associate professor at UIC's Department of Public Policy, Management and Analytics (PPMA) until his contract was terminated in August 2023. According to a legal complaint filed in federal court Monday by legal firm Liberty Justice Center, Kleinschmit was fired after criticizing the allegedly discriminatory and unlawful nature of a new university recruitment program that focused on candidates' race, gender and sexual orientation in its criteria for hiring. The lawsuit claims that in late 2019, the professor became uncomfortable during meetings about the candidate search for UIC's new "Bridge to Faculty" (B2F) program. B2F is a recruitment program under the university's diversity office, which aims to diversify faculty and "attract underrepresented postdoctoral scholars with the goal of a direct transition to a tenure-track junior faculty position after two years," UIC says. Records From The University Of Colorado Boulder Show College Pursued Race-based Hiring During these meetings, fellow faculty members "spent an extended period of time discussing the racial characteristics of the candidates and routinely lamented the race and gender makeup of the applicant pool," the complaint states. Read On The Fox News App Kleinschmit came to believe that B2F, and other diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs at the public university, were illegal under federal nondiscrimination law. He initially hesitated to speak out for fear of "being ostracized and retaliated against" as a non-tenure faculty member. Eventually, he shared his concerns with other members of his department and college administrators, worrying that he could be implicated in participating in what he believed to be illegal activities by the university. Kleinschmit's conversations objecting to the university's racial hiring practices and political activism over that nearly 4-year period before he was terminated, "were not well received," the complaint adds. The complaint names four other race-based hiring programs at UIC to argue there is "pervasive racial discrimination in employment practices" at the school that has "undermined" its academic integrity. Massachusetts University Promotes Dei And Illegal Immigration Despite Trump Admin Executive Orders UIC allegedly said Kleinschmit's contract was not renewed due to budget cuts. The complaint says that five months after his termination, UIC advertised it was hiring for a non-tenure track faculty position with job duties that "significantly overlapped" with Kleinschmit's prior responsibilities. The job posting encouraged "members of a recognized underrepresented group" to apply. Liberty Justice Center says Kleinschmit was an "exemplary" employee who was promoted early and received positive performance evaluations, merit-driven bonuses and salary increases every year of his 6-year employment at the university. The professor says he was not notified of his impending layoff until June 2023, leaving him little time for a successful appeal. The late notice also hurt his ability to find another job before the commencement of the academic school year, leaving him unemployed for an entire year, according to the complaint. Click Here For The Latest Media And Culture News Liberty Justice Center is accusing UIC of racial discrimination and retaliation against Kleinschmit. It asks the court to order the university to halt its racially discriminatory hiring and retention practices and seeks financial damages for the earnings and benefits Kleinschmit lost because of the university's "illegal" actions. "The University of Illinois Chicago repeatedly engaged in blatant acts of racial discrimination, then added illegal retaliation to the mix to avoid accountability for its unlawful behavior," Reilly Stephens, Senior Counsel at the Liberty Justice Center, said. "These actions are unacceptable violations of the right to equal protection under the law, and we urge the court to put a stop to it immediately." Kleinschmit, who is now an instructor at Northwestern University's School of Public Policy, said, "I was fired for speaking out against illegal behavior by the university. I'm grateful to the Liberty Justice Center for taking a stand against institutional corruption and fighting for my constitutional and statutory rights." The University of Illinois Chicago said it does not comment on pending litigation. Chicago Casino Project Accused In Lawsuit Of Not Allowing White Men To Invest: 'Blatantly Discriminatory' The lawsuit is the latest example of a public university facing scrutiny for its race-based hiring practices after the University of Colorado Boulder also came under fire in recent weeks. In his first slew of executive orders, President Donald Trump launched a federal review of DEI teachings and practices in educational institutions receiving federal funding. On January 21, Trump issued an order, "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," that accuses DEI policies of violating civil rights protections. The order requires that the attorney general and secretary of education identify potential civil compliance investigations among institutions of higher education with endowments over $1 billion and, accordingly, develop action plans to "deter DEI programs or principles that constitute illegal discrimination or preferences." Universities across the nation shuttered their DEI offices last year as Republican lawmakers targeted these policies. Missouri State University and West Virginia University are the latest schools to shut down their DEI programs this article source: Illinois university sued after professor alleges he was fired for objecting to race-based hiring policies
Fox News
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Illinois university sued after professor alleges he was fired for objecting to race-based hiring policies
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is facing a lawsuit over its racial hiring quotas after a former professor claimed he was illegally "retaliated" against for objecting to its allegedly discriminatory practices. Professor Stephen Kleinschmit was a clinical associate professor at UIC's Department of Public Policy, Management and Analytics (PPMA) until his contract was terminated in August 2023. According to a legal complaint filed in federal court Monday by legal firm Liberty Justice Center, Kleinschmit was fired after criticizing the allegedly discriminatory and unlawful nature of a new university recruitment program that focused on candidates' race, gender and sexual orientation in its criteria for hiring. The lawsuit claims that in late 2019, the professor became uncomfortable during meetings about the candidate search for UIC's new "Bridge to Faculty" (B2F) program. B2F is a recruitment program under the university's diversity office, which aims to diversify faculty and "attract underrepresented postdoctoral scholars with the goal of a direct transition to a tenure-track junior faculty position after two years," UIC says. During these meetings, fellow faculty members "spent an extended period of time discussing the racial characteristics of the candidates and routinely lamented the race and gender makeup of the applicant pool," the complaint states. Kleinschmit came to believe that B2F, and other diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs at the public university, were illegal under federal nondiscrimination law. He initially hesitated to speak out for fear of "being ostracized and retaliated against" as a non-tenure faculty member. Eventually, he shared his concerns with other members of his department and college administrators, worrying that he could be implicated in participating in what he believed to be illegal activities by the university. Kleinschmit's conversations objecting to the university's racial hiring practices and political activism over that nearly 4-year period before he was terminated, "were not well received," the complaint adds. The complaint names four other race-based hiring programs at UIC to argue there is "pervasive racial discrimination in employment practices" at the school that has "undermined" its academic integrity. UIC allegedly said Kleinschmit's contract was not renewed due to budget cuts. The complaint says that five months after his termination, UIC advertised it was hiring for a non-tenure track faculty position with job duties that "significantly overlapped" with Kleinschmit's prior responsibilities. The job posting encouraged "members of a recognized underrepresented group" to apply. Liberty Justice Center says Kleinschmit was an "exemplary" employee who was promoted early and received positive performance evaluations, merit-driven bonuses and salary increases every year of his 6-year employment at the university. The professor says he was not notified of his impending layoff until June 2023, leaving him little time for a successful appeal. The late notice also hurt his ability to find another job before the commencement of the academic school year, leaving him unemployed for an entire year, according to the complaint. Liberty Justice Center is accusing UIC of racial discrimination and retaliation against Kleinschmit. It asks the court to order the university to halt its racially discriminatory hiring and retention practices and seeks financial damages for the earnings and benefits Kleinschmit lost because of the university's "illegal" actions. "The University of Illinois Chicago repeatedly engaged in blatant acts of racial discrimination, then added illegal retaliation to the mix to avoid accountability for its unlawful behavior," Reilly Stephens, Senior Counsel at the Liberty Justice Center, said. "These actions are unacceptable violations of the right to equal protection under the law, and we urge the court to put a stop to it immediately." Kleinschmit, who is now an instructor at Northwestern University's School of Public Policy, said, "I was fired for speaking out against illegal behavior by the university. I'm grateful to the Liberty Justice Center for taking a stand against institutional corruption and fighting for my constitutional and statutory rights." The University of Illinois Chicago said it does not comment on pending litigation. The lawsuit is the latest example of a public university facing scrutiny for its race-based hiring practices after the University of Colorado Boulder also came under fire in recent weeks. In his first slew of executive orders, President Donald Trump launched a federal review of DEI teachings and practices in educational institutions receiving federal funding. On January 21, Trump issued an order, "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," that accuses DEI policies of violating civil rights protections. The order requires that the attorney general and secretary of education identify potential civil compliance investigations among institutions of higher education with endowments over $1 billion and, accordingly, develop action plans to "deter DEI programs or principles that constitute illegal discrimination or preferences." Universities across the nation shuttered their DEI offices last year as Republican lawmakers targeted these policies. Missouri State University and West Virginia University are the latest schools to shut down their DEI programs this year.
Korea Herald
09-02-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
Korea, IUFRO open new horizons in forest science cooperation
Daniela Kleinschmit, president of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations, paid her first official visit to Korea in mid-December since assuming leadership, marking a step toward bolstering international cooperation in forest research and sustainable forest management. IUFRO, established in 1892 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria, stands as a nonprofit and nongovernmental organization that leads the global network for forest science cooperation. Through its extensive network, IUFRO facilitates global collaboration in forest research and actively contributes to the United Nations' sustainable development goals. The organization unites around 630 member organizations across more than 115 countries, representing over 15,000 scientists worldwide. It operates through nine scientific divisions, more than 50 research groups and over 180 working parties, with specialized initiatives, including the Development of Capacities and Science-Policy Programs, that connect research and policy through research capability building and scientific expertise. To advance its mission, IUFRO conducts an average of 70 annual meetings and holds regular IUFRO World Congresses every 4 to 5 years. During her five-day visit, Dec. 15-19 last year, Kleinschmit met with Minister of the Korea Forest Service Lim Sang-seop to discuss international forest cooperation initiatives while touring Korea's forest greening sites and forest welfare facilities. She particularly noted the country's unprecedented success in forest restoration within just 50 years.
Korea Herald
09-02-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
IUFRO chief lauds Korea's rehabilitated forests, advises on future management
From postwar desolation to reforestation excellence, South Korea has been planting seeds of a green future both in Korea and beyond. Examining this transformative path is Daniela Kleinschmit, president of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations and chair of Forest and Environmental Policy at the University of Freiburg, Germany, who recently visited Seoul. In an interview with The Korea Herald, Kleinschmit, as the head of a global network for forest science cooperation, examined Korea's forestry sector, focusing on its challenges and management strategies. Her insights come at a crucial time, especially when the Korea Forest Service seeks to enhance and sustain its reforestation model. United by a vision of addressing forest-related challenges for the benefit of both nature and people, the two organizations are charting a common path forward. Below is an excerpt of The Korea Herald's interview with Kleinschmit. The Korea Herald: South Korea has achieved remarkable success in reforestation over the past 50 years. What are your thoughts on this accomplishment and what direction should Korea's forestry take moving forward? Kleinschmit: The Republic of Korea can be considered a real success story in rehabilitating devastated landscapes, rebuilding forest ecosystems and related services such as soil and water conservation, erosion control, biodiversity enhancement, wildlife habitat and human recreation. At the same time, Korea is depending on imports of wood and wood products to a large degree from other countries, such as Vietnam, to respond to the increasing national demand. Following different global scenarios, the demand for wood will also increase in the next decades. This is fueled not only by a growing population but also by the understanding that using forest-based resources can reduce CO2 emissions when replacing fossil-based products. Depending on the sources of wood and the underlying standards for wood production, this might lead to over-utilization of forests and unsustainable practices of forest management. Making sustainable use of forests for ecosystem services, including wood production, is therefore a way forward, not only to fulfill market demands and support a bio-based economy, but also to ensure wood supply from responsibly managed sources. KH: Despite Korea only harvesting 20 percent of its annual forest growth, there's significant public resistance to timber harvesting. How does this compare to European practices and public sentiment? Kleinschmit: As can be observed in many other industrialized countries, particularly among urban populations, the perception of forest management and wood production has become ever more critical. This is despite the fact that the annual harvest of wood is well below yearly growth. The annual forest utilization rate in European forests is around 70 to 80 percent. We have also recognized in European countries an increasing polarization when it comes the question on how to manage forests and whether using it for wood production is acceptable or not. KH: How can we address the paradox where people appreciate wooden products but oppose tree harvesting? Kleinschmit: We have been aware of this slaughterhouse syndrome -- being in favor of wood products but being against harvesting trees -- for a long time. The solution is not trivial as it becomes obvious that increasing communication efforts are not always effective. Having said this, it is still a prerequisite of forest management to communicate with the diverse stakeholders about the needs for forest management, the sustainable use of forests and the measurements taken. The discourse on a forest-based bioeconomy that has developed in the last decades is one way to foster understanding, in particular, as the bioeconomy concepts build on the idea that nonsustainable products linked to a high degree of emissions can be replaced by renewable resources like wood. In European countries, this discourse has been very much facilitated by the public authorities at the EU level, the national level and subnational level. Instruments installed comprise informational tools -- such as dialogues, platforms, pedagogic (tools) and uni-directional communication products like brochures -- and economic instruments, providing financial support for innovative and optimized ways of using wood, while also taking into account small-scale forest owners who are partly lacking the intent to manage their forests. KH: Forest road infrastructure remains a significant challenge for Korea's forest management. What would you say to those who oppose forest road development? Kleinschmit: There is a huge discussion about the need and density of forest roads in European countries as well. There seems to be a trade-off between the required density of forest roads for harvester access and the recreational use of forests. This has been analyzed in several studies. One of the conclusions was the idea of a participatory forest road assessment approach. I am not aware whether this has been implemented, is feasible and will have the projected effect. KH: Korea's forest ownership structure, dominated by small-scale owners, bears similarities to Germany's. Does Germany have policies in place to address these issues? Kleinschmit: Austria and Germany implemented a concept of cooperatives, where small forest owners become members of and jointly manage their forests. This has supported small forest owners in their management. However, we still recognize that there are many owners that are not taking care of their forests and it is very hard to communicate with them. National forest legislation requires making provisions for operating such cooperatives and would also include incentive systems for forest operations such as road construction, harvesting and rejuvenation of forests. KH: Are there any potential collaboration opportunities between IUFRO and the Korea Forest Service that you'd like to explore? Kleinschmit: In the framework of its Science-Policy Program, IUFRO carries out global and regional scientific assessments on issues of high political concern to equip decision-makers and stakeholders with solid knowledge. The topic of the societal polarization between forest conservation and harvesting would be suitable for such an assessment. The outcomes of this scientific report would help base Korea's forest-use discussions on scientific expertise, evidence and rational arguments. IUFRO would be happy to collaborate with the Korea Forest Service in this regard. KH: As IUFRO president, this was your first official visit to Korea. What were your impressions? Kleinschmit: My visit to Korea has been my first official visit to another country in my capacity as the President of IUFRO. The visit has afforded me a unique opportunity to meet representatives from the Korean government, scientific community and international organizations, while givng me first-hand insights into Korea's current forest-related developments, outstanding accomplishments, as well as some challenges faced by the sector.
