FAIR is hosting an archive of public domain documents related to the University of Manitoba's dispute with Dr. Gábor Lukács over the process followed in the granting of a PhD.
Summary of the case
In March 2009 a U of M student failed the PhD comprehensive examination for the second time, upon which University rules require that the student withdraw from the program. The student appealed, claiming (for the first time) an 'exam anxiety' medical condition.
The process commenced by which the academic body decides upon such matters, but this was overridden by the dean of the faculty of graduate studies, who ordered a relaxation of the examination rules to allow the student to be awarded a PhD. When it later became known that the student had also failed to complete the required coursework, the dean again intervened in favour of the student and overrode the academic body's decision-making process.
These actions had caused the resignation of various academics from the relevant committees and led a young untenured professor, Dr. Gábor Lukács, to formally challenge the dean's decision, finally taking the matter to the courts. The president of the university then suspended Lukács for 3 months without pay, claiming that this was because Lukács had violated the student's privacy in documents filed with the court.
This controversy has attracted significant media attention, with many students, alumni and faculty expressing concern for the university's reputation.
Legal and other documents
- Dr. Lukács' response to recent U of M media release
- Chronology of the Events
- Browse folders of legal documents (opens a new window)
Letters of protest
- From Carleton University faculty (pdf)
- Petition signed by 86 mathematicians (pdf)
- From Dr. Peter Horvatovich (pdf)
- From Dr. Peter Aitchison (pdf)