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University Reprimands Professor For Assigning Cheaper Textbook (slate.com)
schwit1 writes: California State University at Fullerton brought a grievance against associate professor Alain Bourget recently. It wasn't for poor results or questionable conduct — it happened because Bourget refused to assign a $180 textbook for his introductory linear algebra and differential equations course, instead using one that cost $75 and supplementing it with free online materials. "Bourget maintains that his choices are just as effective educationally and much less expensive, so he should have the right to use them. But the university says that it makes sense for courses that have multiple sections to all use the same textbooks. Both Bourget and the university say their positions are based on principles of academic freedom."
Jesus H. Christ. Are you employed by the university and shilling? The professor who is choosing to use a less expensive textbook is one of the good guys. $200 for a textbook on linear algebra and differential equations is a rip-off beyond belief. The material in the book hasn't changed in decades if not centuries and, even if it did, the new material would likely be the purview of a graduate-level course.
What the professor should have done is allow students to use *any* textbook(s) on differential equations and linear algebra and structure his course to be textbook agnostic.
If the university gets its way, I hope the students torrent the hell of that book and deprive the rotten authors of their blood money.