Article in Critic
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Auckland staff face reign of terror
Weeks after the controversial sacking of Auckland professor Paul Buchanan, a top professor has resigned as head of the University of Auckland School of Architecture and Planning. Professor Peggy Deamer says that a deep “misalignment” of views between her and Faculty management is behind her premature departure. Deamer was Assistant Dean at Yale University’s School of Architecture before taking up her position this February. She resigned on Friday 17 August and was ordered by Professor Sharman Pretty, Dean of the University’s National Institute of Creative Arts, to clear out her office immediately, despite offering six months’ notice to minimise disruption to her students. Deamer’s sudden departure is reported to have shocked staff and students. 372 students have signed a letter to the Vice-Chancellor asking for problems between the Faculty and School to be resolved. Most Architecture staff spoken to by press did not want to be named, describing a “climate of fear” at the School and saying their jobs would be in jeopardy if they spoke out.
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