What happened with Penn State professor Oliver Baker? Here’s a timeline of events
Students, faculty and community members plan to show their continued support for Penn State assistant professor Oliver Baker on Thursday afternoon during a rally at Old Main.
Baker was charged after an incident at a pro-vaccine rally last August. The charges were later dropped, but he faces possible termination from his position. His supporters argue that Baker was “de-escalating a dangerous provocateur,” according to a news release announcing the latest rally.
Like a protest and march last month, Thursday’s rally is primarily being organized by student group Students Against Sexist Violence. A coalition of nine student, faculty and community organizations are also involved, and according the release, the event will feature more than 10 speakers.
Here’s a look at what’s happened so far with Baker:
Aug. 27, 2021: About 150 community members gathered in front of Old Main to demand that Penn State mandate the COVID-19 vaccine. A counter-protesting student, whom organizers characterized as “being physically aggressive toward peaceful attendees,” toted around a sign with memes, tweets and sayings such as “Shut the f--- up liberal.”
According to a criminal complaint, Baker was accused of trying to take the counter protester’s sign, pulling him to the ground and then injuring him during the ensuing scuffle.
Sept. 7, 2021: Baker was charged with simple assault (second-degree misdemeanor), disorderly conduct (third-degree misdemeanor) and harassment (summary offense). He was placed on administrative leave from the university.
Oct, 7, 2021: Misdemeanor charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct against Baker were dropped.
Nov. 8, 2021: Baker was acquitted of the remaining charge against him — one summary count of harassment. A university spokesperson said Baker was still on administrative leave while “internal processes are concluded.”
December 2021: A petition started by undergraduate students, “Don’t Let PSU Fire Dr. Baker!” gains hundreds of signatures.
Jan. 13: Penn State’s Chapter of the American Association of University Professors released a statement in support of Baker and condemning the university for continuing the termination proceedings. The Coalition for a Just University previously voiced support for Baker.
Jan. 14: The group Students Against Sexist Violence organized a rally in support of Baker at the Allen Street Gates.
March 24: About 70 students marched through the streets of downtown and entered Old Main to protest the continued termination proceedings. The protest was again organized by SASV, which promoted the event through social media and handouts.
April 26: Penn State President Eric Barron penned a letter that addressed the controversy and recent protests. Referring to the AC70 tenure revocation process, Barron noted that the confidential proceedings “include checks and balances.” He expressed concern about “some of the heated rhetoric” online and on anonymously distributed flyers, as well as threatening language in a recent petition.
What’s next?
According to the university’s own academic policies, dismissal requires “clear and convincing evidence.” It is not known what, if any, evidence Penn State might have that wasn’t available to the county district attorney. The committee’s proceedings are not open to the public.
Because they’re largely veiled in secrecy, it’s not clear where the hearing currently stands. But, based on policies outlined by Penn State’s AC70 Dismissal Procedure, Baker is supposed to be heard by the Standing Joint Committee on Tenure — and that committee will recommend whether Baker will face discipline or resume teaching. The final decision will then rest with the university president.
This story was originally published March 25, 2022 at 11:22 AM.