September 30, 2015

From:

To:

Ida L, Gillis

Director

Affirmative Action and Employment Practices (AFAC/EP)

Title 1X Deputy Coordinator

Mark McPhail

Executive Vice Chancellor Academic Atlairs (EVCAA)

Academic Affairs

IU Northwest

Re: Allegations against Dr. Jean Poulard, Professor of Political Science, for

inappropriate remarks and behavior of a sexual, sexist and racist nature.

Summary olCom n pl a i um

Dr Gianluca Di Muzio, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Chair, Department of History,

Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies, outlined in writing to the Director of

AFAC/EP concerns about the behavior of Dr. Jean Poulard, a professor of political science and

member of his department (Attachment 1). Dr. Di Muzio shared comments by an anonymous

student course evaluation from Dr, Poulard's POLS-Y 362 Spring 2015 course and concerns of

Dr, Poulard's behavior based on his observations.

In summary, the course evaluation alleged the following:

-Dr. Poulard frequently voiced his racist and sexist views even though his course

consisted of women and minority students.

-Dr, Poulard is also obscenely flirtatious with his female students, often saying perverted

things.

-Dr. Poniard is the: worst professor that I've ever experienced....) will religiously avoid

any other classes by this instructor.

Dr. Di Muzio related the following incidents that he witnessed:

- At the Honors Tea hosted by the College of Arts & Sciences on Apri115, 2015,

Dr Di Muzio witnessed Dr. Poulard greet a female student by kissing her hand in what

seemed to be an overly affectionate way.

1

I Li001522
-At the 11.1 Northwest Graduation ceremony, on May 14, 2015, Dr. Di Muzio witnessed

Dr. Poulard leave his seat in the area reserved for faculty, traverse the distance to the

stage, meet a female student who was coming off the stage with her diploma, photograph

her , take her hands, and kiss her on both cheeks. A few minutes later he repeated the

same action with another female graduate. He returned to his seat and stated: "That girl

cleaned my teeth, she did a wonderful job'', Dr, Di Muzio gathered from Dr. Pollard's

comments that his acquaintance with this student was limited to a dental cleaning and

found his actions unsettling and related Dr. Poulard's actions toward the graduating

student to the subject POLS-Y 362 course evaluation about Dr. Poulard's fl irtatious

behavior.

Information /Sources Utilized

Review of the POYS-Y 362, international Politics, Latin America, course registration disclosed

eleven initial students of which the status reflected three not enrolled; one withdrawal; one

incomplete and one "I' grade (not enrolled); one dropped -1/12/2015. The remaining seven

students received grades ranging from C+ to A-, Of the remaining seven students, two

completed a course evaluation, The comments reported by Dr. Di Muzio were reflected in the

Student 2 comments section of the evaluation.

Six students (referred to as student 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6), four female students and two

male students, who completed the subject course, were interviewed from July 8 to July 18, 2015

by the AMC/EP Director. Student 6 was interviewed by the AFAC/EP Director and Dr. Di

Muzio.

Incident to the investigation, it was learned that Mrs. Pamela Lowe, current Graduate Student at

1U Northwest, Associate to the Chancellor (non-paid position as spouse of Chancellor), had

experienced some unwelcome physical touching by Dr. Poulard, Mrs. Lowe was interviewed

regarding her interactions with Dr. Poulard.

The subject allegations were discussed with the immediate past EVCAA David Malik, who

provided information regarding his conversation in 2009 with Dr. Poulard regarding his "hand

kissing" of females (Attachment 2),

Dr. Poulard's annual Chair's evaluations from 2010 to 2014 were reviewed (Attachment 3).

Requests were made for Dr. Poulard to meet with the AFAC/EP Director regarding the

allegations, however, to date after repeated requests via email and official correspondence he

has not made an appointment to meet with the AFAC Director (Attachments 4, 5 and 6).

Su m mary of I nterviews

At the beginning of each interview, the role and responsibilities of the AFAC/EP Director, Title

1X Deputy Coordinator was explained to each interviewee along with the reason for the

i nterview. It should be noted that all of these students passed the subject course, four received a

13+; one received a 13 and one received a C+.

2

IU001523
Student 1

Advised that she has had numerous courses and advisory interactions with Dr. Poulard over a

three year period. She has never personally been offended by Dr. Poulard. He is highly

opinionated, very conservative and she is very liberal, He has strong opinions but allows others

to squash his opinions. He does say some things against women; he is old school, male

chauvinist but he is never disrespectful. He has commented that women are beautiful. He hugs

female students and no students have expressed concern to her; they treat him like he is their

grandfather, they roll their eyes and joke around. When she and Dr. Poulard greet each other

they hug and kiss on the cheek and he greets her sister in the same way; their families know each

other. When he speaks about the African -American people he comments that they could work

harder.

She saw this coming because he has expressed to her that other students have complained about

his behavior (he is French) but he is aware of the American Culture. She has noticed students

drop out of his courses because they get offended although some find him endearing, they know

how he is and that it is ok to rebuff his opinions. He is her most favorite professor; she has

l earned a lot from him due to his stories and life experiences that he shares. He does not retaliate

but he is a hard grader; she has not gotten an A in any of his classes yet, lie gives good feedback

on written papers even when contrary to his view; she got an A on one such paper.

Student 2

Stated that she knew immediately what this was about. She never felt uncomfortable with Dr.

Poulard, He would make jokes like saying, "if you fail come to my office and you get 20

l ashes." He made a couple of comments that he likes blonds and she was the only blond in the

class; he said it to everyOne in front of the class. She could see how someone could be offended

by him. He is a touch racist but conservative and makes comments about how the Democrats are

always wrong and he always bashes the President. He would say to the black woman in the class

"you should know" he was always saying stuff to her about race." Student 2 stated that Dr.

Poulard is like her grandpa "a conservative old white man". Dr. Poulard would make comments

that women would not be allowed to vote and he made a joke out of it. She did not take offense

because she was used to it. He never said anything awfully racist just rude. She had no physical

contact with him, She is an economics major and thus does not have to have him again and will

not take him again for another class. He is a hard grader, he rambles for about an hour at the

beginning of class then thinks he told you something that he did not and then it is on the test.

She was told that if she sucks up to him he will give you a better grade so she stopped arguing

with him.

Student 3

Stated Dr. Poulard complemented females stating: "you're a beautiful girl," but nothing he

considered over the line. Dr. Poulard was open to dialogue, friendly debates. He is politically

right wing, but not racist. Dr. Poulard is strict, not a bad professor, he helped him (Student 3) a

l ot with his term paper; he (Dr. Poulard) worked with him to make it better.

3

10001524
Student 4

Has taken various classes with Dr, Poulard, Has never been personally offended by his

comments. Has not had any physical contact with Dr. Poulard except he kissed her on the hand.

Her culture accepts a kiss on the cheek and/or hand during greetings, so she accepted this as

French culture as well, Dr. Poulard has never made an inappropriate comment toward her. She

has witnessed some people get offended and they tell him to his face and he does not say it again.

In her opinion he does not like Muslims. Before class started last Spring he commented in

reference to Muslim female students asking why they do that; why do they wear those clothes he

did not understand why the girls had to wear those clothes, referencing their Muslim attire. She

(Student 4) told him that his comments were not right and he responded that he did not say

anything and ok that is your opinion, Ile then stopped the conversation. She sees him as a

stubborn old man who says what he wants to say. She was raised to respect her elders, He has

said things in front of the class that were embarrassing to students. A student told him this and

his response was that he was doing it so they could do better, regarding embarrassing students in

front of the class. In a previous class he told a student that she should be a mechanic; she was

offended. She was not getting the grades she thought she should. Other students told him also

that they did not want their papers read out loud in class; he continued to do it and did it in the

I.,atin American Poly 362 class as well. But he did not read her papers out loud.

He is a hard grader but he helps students if you want it, he works with students to help them

i mprove. He makes students work hard for grades. Ile lets students state their opinions but he

will not agree with them and state ok "that is your opinion". Student 4 felt she could state her

opinions in class. His personality is that of a stubborn old man.

Student 5

Stated Dr. Poulard made sexist jokes, for example he said: "What is the difference between

before and after women got the right to vote? Nothing, no difference because they did not

matter." The class did not laugh except maybe one girl and maybe one other. Student 5

i ndicated there were a couple or times she felt Dr. Poulard inappropriately touched her. One

occasion was in the Hawthorne Hall computer area when she was working on a project for his

class., POLS-Y 362 Spring 20.15. She saw him and asked him to check her work, he caressed

her arm as he overlooked her work and she eased away. On another occasion, in the same

l ocation a month later, she was working on the same project and he came up to her and said: "last

week you looked really sexy in the green outfit" and he rubbed the small part of her back. She

played and laughed it off and he left. Both incidents occurred before class. She was not aware

of any witnesses but she did tell her sister.

After they were done with the final for the subject course upon leaving the class he kissed

another student on each cheek whom he was friendly with, then asked her (student 5) "can I give

you a kiss and she responded no and he said why, she let me, referring to the other female

student, and she (Student 5) responded "no" and left the area.

In class he would make comments like "Oh I have the prettiest students."

4

10001525
Student 5 stated she felt uncomfortable in being the only black in the class because he made what

she feels were racist remarks. The first day of class Dr. Poulard stated that Michael Brown

would be alive if he got his butt out of the street. Dr. Poulard also made comments that author

"Michelle Alexander's coming to campus was 'poppycock' that it is a fact Black People commit

the most crime." Student 5 stated she asked him how he knew that and he said "because I do."

He stated that Obama ruined it for black people because he was incompetent and he messed it up

for any other black person to be president. Student 5 asked what about a white president that

was incompetent and he responded that they were incompetent when we did not need a good

president. After this exchange she started recording the class.

Dr. Poulard would rant during the beginning of class and so she started going late to avoid his

rants.

On another occasion she stated he said that black people were destroying Chicago and his

solution was to have a weekly hanging. She believes she may have recordings of his stating this.

She does not believe he knew she was recording him.

She received feedback from him regarding class assignments before they were due and he was

responsive and gave good counsel. She recalled another time when one of the white male

students challenged him on his Obama statement and Dr, Poulard responded by asking the guy

"who's side are you on „ .there are sides and you are on the wrong side."

When Dr. Poulard was challenged about if certain comments were relevant to the class he

responded that Politics is everything. Student 5 indicated that she would not take him for

another class if she had a choice. She was the only black in the class and the other students

either agreed with him or were neutral.

Student 6

Student 6 was interviewed in the presence of Dr. Di Muzio, He stated that Dr. Poulard is

very conservative with right-wing views. lie referred to the girls in the class as "the pretty

girls." Dr. Di Muzio asked in what context Dr. Poulard used the expression "pretty girls" and

why the expression would even come up in a course in International Politics. The student could

not recall the context in which Dr. Poulard had used the expression, When the campus had

Muslim Awareness Day Dr, Poulard stated they (Muslims) should conform to our country, why

should we bend over backwards to them. Student 6 felt had Muslim students been in the class

they would have felt uneasy, Also recall Dr. Poulard commenting about Chicago and African

Americans and crime regarding black on black crimes, gangs and drugs. He recalled Dr. Poulard

stating to address Chicago gang crime that he would have a "weekly hanging." Student 6

recalled Dr. Poulard stated in class that in Ferguson he (Brown) should not have been in the

street. Dr. Poulard stated that punks have lost all respect for authority and family values.

Dr. Poulard discussed, in the beginning of the semester, the terrorist incident in France that killed

his good friend Cabu. At the beginning of class, Dr. Poulard would bring up current events. Dr.

Poulard would get on tangents at which time he (Student 6) just tuned him out. Regarding any

comments about women, he recalled him stating that if you vote one way and your wife votes

another way then it cancels the vote out.

5

IU001526
Student 6 never witnessed Dr. Foulard touch any students, He shook his hand after the mid-term

and final.

Student 6 felt like an outsider and worked hard to get good grades. There were a couple of

students that seemed to know Dr Foulard that had him in previous classes.

Associate to the Chancel lor,I i i Northwest Student

Mrs: Lowe advised that as a graduate student on campus and being the Chancellor's wife she

tries to function under the radar and does not do anything or behave in a way that draws attention

to her, especially around students. She reported that while walking to class, she has encountered

Dr. Foulard on campus numerous times when he has taken her hand and kissed it and or

attempted to kiss it when it was not offered for a handshake. She has responded to his actions by

telling him that she is on campus as a graduate student, that as a student she doesn't want

attention drawn to her around students and for him to not do that (meaning kissing her hand

while speaking French). However, he has continued the behavior particularly at public events

while others are around. She further stated that she has never invited him to take her hand and

kiss it and she has only offered her hand at public events for a polite handshake; Mrs. Lowe

reports that Dr. Foulard has demonstrated that a handShake invitation by her is an open invitation

for him to kiss her hand, which it is not.

While at an 1U Northwest public event (IU Board of Trustees meeting) on June 18, 2015. Dr.

Foulard reached to grab Mrs. Lowe hand to kiss it while speaking in French. At which time ,

the Chancellor, Dr. William Lowe, intervened and pushed Dr. Foulard's hand away and stated to

him "do not grab and kiss her hand she does not want you to do that."

Other information

Dr. Foulard's Annual Chair's Evaluation Reports were reviewed For the years 2010-2014

(Attachment 3). The 2010 report under Teaching reflects student comments very similar to those

stated in this report. However, it is noted that subsequent Evaluation Reports, 2011-2014 for

Teaching do not reflect student comments in any detail and are very positive about Dr. Foulard's

teaching.

Excerpt from Chair's 2010 Evaluation:

I n 2010, Jean taught courses ranging from POLS-Y 103 (the entry-level political science course) to

advanced classes in international politics and modern political thought. His course evaluations identify

various strengths in his teaching. His students describe him as competent, rigorous, and passionate.

They state their gratitude for the knowledge he imparted to them and remark on his systematic

approach and sense of humor. Jean is an experienced teacher, and it is obvious that he has an enormous

amount to offer to his students.

On the other hand, several student comments highlight areas for improvement. Some students find it

off-putting that Jean labels some of their answers or class contributions as "wrong," in a way they

perceive as too aggressive and uncharitable. One student reported finding some of Jean's comments in

6

10001527
the classroom inappropriate. The student wrote: "He has made comments that are very inappropriate

including calling students dumb, ridiculous and telling our class how allowing women to vote was the

biggest mistake this country made next to electing Obamo. His comment about people who speak

Spanish instead of English was also uncalled for. This class is a political science class, this is not a class

just for him to express his own opinions. His comments about people's sexualities should not be

expressed. I took great offense when he stated how wrong and disgusting it is to be gay and how terrible

and messed up a child with same sex parents is going to be in the head." Other student comments

express a wish that Jean would display greater objectivity, encouraging the expression of opinions

different from his own.

Student comments must always be placed in context and must be taken with a grain of salt. However, it

is undeniable that Jean receives negative feedback from student to a greater extent than any other

member of the department. The negative comments do not all appear to be the work of the typical

disgruntled students who lash out at the teacher when the course turns out to be more demanding than

they had expected. Instead, some of the comments reflect a well-balanced, genuinely concerned

attitude, for example the following: "The instructor seemed to focus the course on his opinions regarding

certain issues. I feel that he tried to impose his right wing political views on the class during discussions. I

feel that he has a right to his own opinion; however, I know for certain that he hos offended many

students during class discussions. I feel that this should be taken into account in the future and

adjustments should be made."

It is comments like this that suggest that Jean should take the opportunity to make changes and

adjustments to some aspects of his teaching. It seems clear that some students are concerned about his

objectivity and tolerance of diversity. Even if the comments were untrue, Jean should try and determine

why students perceive him in a certain way. Many negative comments come from the evaluations for

Y103, a course that can do a tremendous job of attracting students towards a major in Political Science,

but can also create a negative aura around the Political Science program if the instructor does not come

across as valuing all students and encouraging diverse opinions and unbiased critical thinking. To have a

steady supply of new Political Science majors and grow the Political Science program to the size it

deserves to achieve, it is especially important that students at the 100-level enjoy a positive experience

i n all Political Science classes.

Findings/Concl usions/Recommendmions

Since Dr. Poulard would not meet with the AFAC/EP Director, his response to the allegations

were not available for review. Therefore, after considering all the available information, it is the

opinion of the Director of Affirmative Action and Employment Practices as the Deputy Title IX

Coordinator that the preponderance of evidence (more likely than not) supports that Dr. Poulard

has exhibited behavior that is inappropriate for the educational environment. Hugs are not

inherently welcome. Greeting females with kissing on the hands and/or cheeks is not inherently

welcome. It is recommended that action should be taken to ensure this behavior by Dr. Poulard

is immediately stopped.

It appears that Dr. Poulard's hugs and kissing behavior has been generally observed and known

by numerous employees, Other than the conversation noted in this report that the former

EVCAA had with Dr. Poulard in 2009, and the 2010 Annual Report from the Department

Chair's evaluation for Dr. Poulard regarding his comments in the classroom, there is no

indication he has been directly advised by supervisors that his behavior is unacceptable and

7

IU0015213
directed to discontinue the hugs, hand and cheek kissing.

Of a more serious concern is the statement provided by student 5 and confirmed by student 6

that Dr. Poulard made a comment regarding the crime in Chicago by blacks and gangs that he

would address by "having a weekly hanging."

The history of lynching of black Americans in the United States are racist deprivation of life and

no one should refer to hanging blacks as a modern day solution to gang violence. Those types

of comments in the classroom are inappropriate and contributes to a hostile environment for

students, particularly African -American students and interferes with their ability to fully

participate in their educational program,

Other comments reported by students that Dr. Poulard expressed about why Muslims dress in

their culture attire is inappropriate when a student interprets such comments to mean he does

not like Muslims. His numerous comments about "pretty or beautiful girls" in his class can

be interpreted as flirtatious and have no place in the classroom.

It is recommended that Dr. Poulard receive cultural sensitivity and diversity training, be advised

to stop making inappropriate comments in his classes and that his classes be monitored to ensure

compliance.

Dr. Poulard's refusal to meet with the Director, AFAC/EP, Title IX Deputy Coordinator is in

direct conflict with the UniverSity Sexual Misconduct Policy (UA-03), effective 03-01-2015,

which states the following: "All members of the University are required to cooperate fully with

the investigative process. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary measures pursuant to

applicable University policy and procedure."

Attachments:

1 . Memorandum from Dr. Di Muzio, dated June 1, 2015

2. Email message from Dr. David Malik, dated July 15, 2015

Annual Evaluations, 2010-2012

4. Memo to file, dated July 14, 2015

5. Memorandum to Dr. Jean Poulard, dated July 21, 2015

6. Emails, various dates, between Ida Gillis and Dr. Jean Poulard

8

10001529
Attachment 2

Gillis, Ida Loretta

From: Malik, David J.

Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 4:28 PM

To: Gillis, Ida Loretta

Subject: Re: Dr. Poulard

Importance: High

Hi Ida,

Sorry to delay in responding to your request for information, but my to-do list is growing more rapidly than I seem to be

able to exhaust It.

When I first arrived at IU Northwest In 2009, I had an occasion to discuss the idea of "hand kissing" as a cultural practice.

I told Jean Poulard at the time that it was an unacceptable practice and advised him to discontinue doing it, i believe he

suggested at the time that It was a long standing cultural tradition in France. I indicated he was not in France and that, In

the U.S., people do not uniformly accept the practice as an innocuous cultural artifact and many people might consider it

an intrusion.

I do not believe he responded in a way to convince me that he would accept my analysis or that he would stop doing it.

But he has continued the kissing in spite of advice to stop from me and the dean. I observed this behavior at the COAS

honors tea,

The Dean has Informed me that his attempts to suppress inappropriate behavior may not have led to a responsive effort

to improve.

I n more recent conversations, at least one faculty member complained directly to me about the practice when he had

observed Jean kissing the hand of his wife. This faculty member was not happy and felt that it was an intrusion. I have

not discussed this incident with Jean, but did inform Dean Hoyert that he had repeated the practice in a way that led to

dissatisfaction with this faculty member. i again indicated to the dean that I had told Jean years before that this was not

acceptable.

I think the problem continues and he Is not responsive to any entreaties to cease the conduct. I think the lack of formal

student complaints has made formal action very difficult.

David

David J. Malik

Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

q J INDIANA UNIVERSITY

wr NORTHWEST

3400 Broadway

Gary, IN 46408

dmalikCiziumeclu• 219-980-6966

1

IU001532