Public must be clear on who dean speaks for
LETTER — What disturbs me most profoundly about “The Ajax Project—The Conversation” video is that, by being identified as the Dean of Trades and Technology at TRU, Lindsey Langill appears to be speaking on behalf of Thompson Rivers University.
Scene from Ajax video.
While Mr. Langill has every right to speak out on any subject he chooses, by using his TRU administrative title in the video, KGHM Ajax has given the clear impression that his appearance has the explicit sanction of the University.
Faculty members often speak out on political and other controversial, potentially divisive issues; in fact, most believe they have a professional duty to do so. However, the public does not assume that the use of their institutional affiliation means they are speaking on behalf of the University as a whole.
Mr. Langill’s case is far different, since, as an identified TRU Dean, he is most likely seen by the public as acting in his administrative role.
If the TRU President and TRU senior administrators, to whom Mr. Langill must answer, have indeed given him full authority to speak on behalf of the University, then that is unfortunate. Like many others in our community, TRU faculty, staff, students and administrators are divided on this controversial project, I know, and would surely take exception to TRU unilaterally taking a pro-Ajax position.
Were Mr. Langill to fulfill his role as Dean—an academic leadership position—he would do well to at least wait for science-based evidence before he engages in such blatant cheerleading.
TOM FRIEDMAN
Kamloops
EDITOR’S NOTE: Lindsay Langill confirms that he was speaking as an individual rather than as a spokesperson for TRU. He says that, in hindsight, any confusion might have been avoided if the video hadn’t included his title.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
Peter, I’m trusting you picked up the phone and spoke to Tom before writing on this “Blog Site”.
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Hi Peter,
I suspect that Mr. Friedman knows what he is talking about as he works at the University and should know what is seemly.
Generally speaking, a dean at a University would not be permitted to appear in advertising for a very controversial proposal (with use of his title) without the permission and approval of his employer. Mr. Langill should have known better, in my opinion. TRU may well forgive him his misstep, but. make no mistake, it WAS a misstep.
I don’t know if Tom has class or not, but it certainly appears to me that by posting this comment, you are like the pot calling the kettle black.
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I am very surprised that Tom Friedman, a fellow TRU Faculty colleague of Mr. Lindsay Langill, didn’t investigate before he went about trashing his “colleague” on Arm Chair Mayors News Blog. Why didn’t Tom Friedman just pick up his phone and call Lindsay Langill and express his feelings before going on Mel’s Blog Site. Mel’s editors note confirms that Lindsay Langill was in fact speaking as an individual rather than a spokesperson for TRU. I’m disappointed Tom. I’d have thought you’d have a lot more class. It sounds like Lindsay Langill was talking about the mine and the opportunities for TRU Trades Students. Given his position as the Dean of the Trades School, his mistake of not clarifying on who’s behalf he was speaking is forgivable in my view. Tom, you need to investigate first before going to print!
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