University of Wisconsin Provost Patrick Farrell was given a virtually thankless task: responding to complaints from politicians who objected to the unpopular views of a UW faculty member.
Farrell handled it as an academic leader, guided by UW values and traditions, as well as his own courage and good sense, rather than political pressures.
At a time when few were willing to stand up for the principles that have made the UW one of this country’s greatest institutions of higher learning, the provost did just that when he rejected calls for the dismissal of controversial lecturer Kevin Barrett.