CALGARY- The Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) has reinstated an instructor who was let go after a controversial incident in the school’s cafeteria in April, during which a student slaughtered a chicken with a knife in front of shocked onlookers.
According to police, the act was the student’s interpretation of a school assignment that involved holding a public protest.
Gord Ferguson, the head of the school’s sculpture program, was let go several weeks later.
But on Wednesday, ACAD announced it has reached an agreement leading to his reinstatement.
In a news release, the school says:
“While the College’s decision to terminate Mr. Ferguson was never intended to be about academic or artistic freedom, the College acknowledges the perception this action may have created.”
The statement goes on to say:
“Mr. Ferguson acknowledges that he wishes he could have had a greater opportunity to advise and support his student before he undertook his performance on April 18, 2013. Both Mr. Ferguson and the College regret that the incident happened.”
ACAD plans to hold a symposium during the next school year to talk about the issues the incident has raised about academic freedom.
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