"The communalisation of my appointment (going by the information available to me) is a piece of injustice," Dr. Cecil Joseph had said in an email to St Stephen's Principal.
St Stephen's Principal Valson Thampu today dismissed allegations of 'conflict of interest' in the appointment of a US-based researcher, who has turned down the post following a controversy, and said he has requested him to reconsider the decision.
Dr Cecil Joseph, a Stephen's alumnus who is currently an adjunct faculty member at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, had applied for the post of Assistant professor in the physics department and was selected for the same. However, after the hiring sparked allegations that the college's selection process was skewed in favour of Christians, Joseph turned down the position.
An alumni group, which is not officially recognised by the college, has claimed that a 'conflict of interest' was the reason behind him refusing the post as Joseph is the son of a member of the college's Supreme Council and Governing Body.
However, rejecting such claims, Thampu told PTI, "There is no conflict of interest in his selection for the post. Just because he is the son of a Governing Body member doesn't mean that he has been chosen for the post despite being undeserving." He said that Joseph was "the most competent candidate among those who had applied for the job and he genuinely wanted to serve his alma mater". "I have humbly requested him (Joseph) to reconsider his decision, but he has not responded yet," Thampu added.
Thampu also rapped the alumni group, saying, "A selective group is making an attempt to give a communal flavour to a fair and transparent appointment process. These attacks are hampering the reputation of a college which is a national treasure." He said that the "deliberate campaign" being run by these "disgruntled elements" will harm the college in the long run. "Joseph... wanted to serve his alma mater despite having a full-time and lucrative position in a US university. "If he doesn't reconsider his decision we will lose out on a quality teacher and, if such campaigns continue, the college will continue to suffer," he added.
Joseph had conveyed his decision to Thampu and expressed distress that his appointment was being politicised. "I am deeply distressed at the way my appointment is being politicised... An impression has been created that my appointment is based on something other than my academic merit. I consider this to be a personal affront.
"I have worked hard for my merit and have proved myself in extremely competitive circumstances and my work is well recognised and respected in my field. The communalisation of my appointment (going by the information available to me) is a piece of injustice," Joseph had said in an email to Thampu.
"I attended the interview at a huge cost, overlooking the firm offer of a permanent position in my University in the US out of my love for the college. Under such circumstances, I find it difficult to accept the offer. No serious and self- respecting academic can work in hostile circumstances and do justice either to the institution or to his own potential," he added.
The Old Stephanians Association had alleged that seven out of the eight teachers appointed by the college during March were Christians.
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