Part 32 (1/2)

”You mean forms and such like? Don't they have other people's writing on them besides Trenchant's?”

”Oh, yes, but that doesn't matter. The main thing is we got confirmation. The guy will testify to that and then those d.a.m.n lady-professors are going to toe the line, or else.”

”You've already sent Trenchant the copies and notice of the next hearing?”

”Yup. Did it this morning. Same mail as I sent it to the rest of the committee.”

”Seems as though it would have been simpler just to have her write something in front of witnesses and use those originals instead of farting around all this time with copies,” a.n.u.se suggested.

”This process has taken nearly a year already.”

”There's reasons. Not something you and I have to know about, but there's reasons. Anyway, here's your copy. Enjoy.”

Chapter 30

A registered package arrived for Diana. It contained copies of the 'suspect' SmurFFs and copies of the standards that she had seen before at the hearing. Also enclosed were many other doc.u.ments, apparently copied from microfiche files.

These copies were atrocious, all spotty with black dots and lines.

Most of the letters were blurred and some parts were unreadable.

The package also contained a report from another doc.u.ment examiner.

This one agreed that Diana had written six of the eight doc.u.ments sent to them for a.n.a.lysis, but was not sure of two of them.

Just like the previous examiners--except it wasn't the same two they indicated.

Nevertheless, the cover letter, signed by Henry, decreed that this was supportive testimony and the hearing would reconvene in five days to present this evidence formally to Diana.

At that time she would be given an opportunity to cross examine the so-called expert testimony of the doc.u.ment examiner.

This time Henry was taking no chances. This time, the doc.u.ment examiner was male.

Diana and her supporters were not terribly surprised by contents of the package. It did, however, confirm that as far as the Belmont administration was concerned, she would be convicted even if they had to move heaven and earth to prove it.

The initial hearing of three days, the official protocol, the declarations of good faith made by the panel members-- all a sham. She'd waited long enough. It was time to seek help outside of Belmont U.

Part of her decision to take this path was made in response to the outpouring of support from the staff, faculty and students of Belmont.

These people, many of whom felt repressed themselves, knew that there was no way that justice or fairness could be brought about within the university structure. Anyone who had experience with university politics completely subscribed to the dubious accolade that university politics were the meanest of all types known to exist.

Many were angry that the whole rotten business evolved around a mere seven out of several hundred forms--all of which in the normal course of events would have been ignored.

There was frustration as well. They felt helpless and many were sickened at their lack of ability to effect any change.

By sending money to Diana, ”to help with legal expenses,”

they could mitigate their helplessness and their fear.

Efforts were initiated to bring the affair before the Faculty Senate but they were quashed as soon as they started by the new Senate president, former ombudsman, Jonathan Bambridge.

Trustees were approached by supporters as well as university alumni groups. There was sympathy, but no one wanted to risk their position against the very real power wielded by the administration.

Several women faculty went to the Pope and pleaded for him to intercede.