An Ohio University professor has been removed from his teaching duties for an in-person, master's-level course after he was detained by the Israeli military during a Gaza aid mission. The university stated the action was taken because the professor, Tom Hayes, changed the course format without approval while he was away.
Hayes, who returned to his home in Columbus on Sunday, was informed of the decision on Monday. He maintains he provided students with pre-recorded lectures to ensure continuity of learning during his absence.
Key Takeaways
- Professor Tom Hayes was removed as the instructor for his on-campus course at Ohio University.
- The removal followed his detention by Israeli forces while participating in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's aid mission to Gaza.
- Ohio University cited an unauthorized change from in-person to online instruction as the reason for the change.
- Hayes states he made pre-recorded lectures available to students and remains in contact with them to provide feedback.
- The university confirms Hayes is still an employee but will not teach this specific course for the rest of the semester.
University Takes Action Following Professor's Return
Tom Hayes, a professor at Ohio University, returned to the United States on a Sunday after being held by Israeli forces. The following day, he received an email requesting a meeting with the dean, where he was informed of the change in his teaching assignment.
An Ohio University spokesperson provided a formal statement on the matter. The university explained its position, noting that a new instructor was appointed to ensure the course continued as scheduled.
Official University Statement
“After learning last week that Professor Hayes had independently informed students taking his in-person, master’s-level course that he would be absent for an unknown duration, and that his pre-recorded lectures would be available online, the University designated a new instructor of record for the course,” the statement read. “This newly assigned instructor of record resumed in-person instruction this week and will serve for the remainder of the semester.”
The university's action underscores its policy regarding instructor presence for in-person classes. The administration moved to replace Hayes to restore the face-to-face format of the graduate-level seminar.
Professor's Perspective on Course Continuity
Hayes contests the university's handling of the situation, stating he took measures to prevent disruption to his students' education. He explained that he utilized a system developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide course content remotely.
"I had created stream-able lectures for every lecture in the course during COVID, and I always post those for my students in case they're ill or they have production conflicts, you know, if they're out on a shoot," Hayes said.
He described the course, titled "(The) Art of Editing," as a wide-ranging class that covers topics from cognitive neurology to cinematography and art history. According to Hayes, the content is fundamentally about the art of filmmaking.
Despite his removal as the official instructor, Hayes has pledged to continue supporting his students. "I will deliver this class to my students one way or another," he affirmed. "I'm going to take those lectures, put them on Dropbox and give them access to them." He also mentioned that he remains in contact with students to offer feedback on their work.
Did You Know?
The use of pre-recorded lectures and hybrid learning models became widespread in higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many institutions continue to use these resources as supplementary materials for in-person courses.
Background: The Freedom Flotilla and Detention
Professor Hayes's absence from the university was a result of his participation in an international humanitarian effort. He was aboard a ship with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an organization that attempts to deliver aid to Gaza by sea.
The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces, and participants, including Hayes, were detained. This event drew international attention and was the direct cause of his inability to be physically present in his classroom in Ohio.
After being released, Hayes returned home and has since vowed to continue his advocacy for aid to Gaza. His removal from the classroom occurred in the immediate aftermath of these events.
Impact on Students and Future at the University
According to Hayes, the decision has not been well-received by his students. "I've heard from my students they're very disappointed," he stated, highlighting the connection he has with those enrolled in his specialized master's course.
Hayes has expressed a strong desire to resume his teaching duties immediately. "I would walk back into that room on Tuesday," he said. "The next course meeting is on Tuesday, and I would walk back into that door in a heartbeat."
Ohio University has clarified that Hayes remains a university employee. However, his role for the remainder of the current semester will not include instructing this particular course. Hayes had already planned for this to be his final semester as a full-time faculty member but has expressed hope that he can continue teaching in some capacity in the future.
