Since last semester, we have been covering the investigation and felony charge of theft by deception that has been placed against Randall McClure, who stepped down from his position as writing and linguistics chair after an audit revealed misspent funds.

McClure is still teaching online classes this semester.

In recent weeks, we have also been covering the charge of animal cruelty against GSU biology professor Lance Durden.

Durden is still employed by the university. According to President Keel, “We have no plans to do anything with his employment at this time, pending the full investigation of exactly what happened.”

We understand the concept of “innocent until proven guilty,” and agree with it in principle. However, we also believe that there needs to be a process in place in the event of a faculty member being charged with a crime, not simply one for after a verdict.

The recent charges against McClure and Durden highlight the need for a process that will also ensure that students’ interests are protected in the case of violent criminal charges or if a professor is unable to effectively teach while being charged with a crime.

We understand our obligation to assume innocence, but the university needs to have a set process in place for the sake of consistency and so students and other faculty can avoid worry when criminal charges are made.