Op-Eds do not reflect the editorial opinion of The Daily Free Press. They are solely the opinion of the author.
This Op-Ed was written by Charles Merzbacher, Associate Professor Emeritus of Film and Television at Boston University.
As has recently been reported in The Daily Free Press, Marni Zelnick, a former professor in the Department of Film & Television, is suing Boston University for gender discrimination and retaliatory actions. Prof. Zelnick and I worked together for many years. I found her to be an exemplary colleague. She brought a breadth of filmmaking experience and a keen intellect to the classroom, as well as a passionate dedication to even the most thankless administrative tasks.
I believe Prof. Zelnick was treated unfairly during her time at BU. I have not read the filings in her discrimination case and therefore can’t comment on those claims, but I can state that she was subjected to personnel review procedures that should be cause for concern for any worker in any workplace.
In 2023, Prof. Zelnick put herself forward as a candidate for Department Chair. Having held this position myself, I believed she was an excellent prospect — a view held by many of my colleagues. Early in the Chair search, members of the COM leadership inserted themselves into the process and had Prof. Zelnick removed from the candidate list. This step was purportedly taken because Prof. Zelnick had an insufficient rank, even though the COM Dean and her staff readily accepted other candidates with fewer professional credentials and far less academic experience.
I realize that the Chair serves at the pleasure of the Dean and Provost. Nevertheless, I found it puzzling and highly irregular that Prof. Zelnick was removed from the Chair search before the search committee had completed its review. While the search process continued, Prof. Zelnick was put through a disciplinary inquiry based on accusations that were cloaked in vagueness and secrecy. It was only by taking legal action that Prof. Zelnick learned many of the most basic details regarding her alleged wrongdoings.
At the time, a group of Prof. Zelnick’s FTV colleagues attempted to get the University administration to correct what we saw as an unjust inquisition. As we stated in a letter to President ad interim Freeman in June of 2024, “The process for reviewing ethical complaints leaves faculty members open to sanctions based on undocumented, anonymous and unspecific allegations that are never revealed to the faculty member under investigation.” Neither President Freeman nor his subordinates acted upon our complaint.
During my long career at BU, I developed an abiding belief in the university’s commitment to justice and fair play. This is why I was so troubled and shocked by the opacity of the disciplinary procedures used against Prof. Zelnick. I can only draw a sad conclusion from these actions and the stonewalling on the part of the administration that ensued: When institutions fail to treat their employees in a forthright and just manner, they should not be surprised to find themselves in court.
