RSA Executive Committee Statement

The executive committee of the Rhetoric Society of America writes to add its voice to the numerous organizations and individuals who have expressed serious concerns about the incident involving Professor Ersula Ore on May 20, 2014 and its aftermath. Professor Ore is a respected and valued member of our association.

As an association of scholars of rhetoric, we are committed to the values of public debate and dialogue but believe that such dialogue must be based on careful and transparent investigation and must be focused not only on seeking justice in this instance but on reviewing policies and procedures that have allowed this situation to arise.  We encourage Arizona State University and the various federal, state and local officials involved in this investigation to focus on respecting the rights and dignity of all members of our society.