LETTER TO THE EDITOR
With so many good things happening at Texas State in recent years, it was disheartening — and confusing — to see President Damphousse’s abrupt, public termination last week of a tenured professor following coverage from a politically oriented website.
Academic life calls us to seek truth, act with integrity, and foster rigorous exchange across differing viewpoints. Responsible leadership requires careful fact-finding, consultation, discernment, accountability and — above all — due process for all.
A unilateral, public dismissal mainly based on online posts teaches “cancel culture” leadership to students. It also invites unnecessary taxpayerfunded legal costs.
Instead, President Damphousse should refer concerns about employee conduct to the university’s established procedures for thorough investigation. If the remarks truly “incited violence,” those processes will determine that, and the university can act with broad support. Trusting colleagues and using established procedures honors the institution and preserves the unity that has been built. A rushed, oneperson decision risks splitting the strong Bobcat community President Damphousse has helped build on campus, in the workplace and across San Marcos.
I make mistakes in leadership and ministry. I haven’t always been eager to admit them. My Christian faith reminds me that life is not about popularity or perfection. Leadership is about correcting missteps, doing things in good order, and loving our neighbors — even, and especially, those with whom we disagree.
“Let all things be done decently and in good order” ( 1 Corinthians 14:40).
Respectfully, Rev. Dr. Todd Salmi Pastor, United Campus Ministry at Texas State
