Edward Feldman has resigned as chair of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, amid controversy over his decision to poll students about how to grade a pregnant student who missed class.
“We are pleased that this matter has been resolved to our satisfaction,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ralph Hexter in a statement. “However, it remains a confidential personnel matter that the university cannot discuss.”
Feldman’s class controversy drew national attention to the university. At the behest of Chancellor Linda Katehi, Feldman will no longer chair the department but will still remain a professor.
As reported by The California Aggie on January 20, Feldman sent out a poll, giving students six options about what grade the student should receive. Students were to choose from an automatic “A,” “B” or “C” grade or allow the pregnant student to have one final exam at the end of the quarter.
Katehi released a statement soon after the story broke, announcing her plans to take swift and appropriate action. An investigation followed.
“I accept responsibility for my poor judgment in handling a student absence from my VMD 444 course this past winter …” Feldman said in a statement to Katehi on April 25. “I deeply regret any offense or embarrassment I may have caused the student, the School of Veterinary Medicine or UC Davis for this incident.”
Feldman has taught small animal internal medicine for more than 25 years and authored more than 50 book chapters.
– Andy Verderosa
