Students react to Moore's lawsuit against The U of M

Students are speaking up about assistant professor Larry Moore's lawsuit against The University of Memphis. Most are stunned at the $551.7 million sum he's seeking.

"It's stupid," said Baylee Ellis, a sophomore religion and society major. "I think it's kind of nuts. There are better things that money can go to, like our education."

Senior Chris Lamar, who's taken Moore's classes, said Moore was a good teacher who deserved the $5,000 a year raise he asked for but disagreed with Moore's decision to sue for such a large amount.

"That's way too much," Lamar said. "I like Larry Moore, but that's too much. I can understand a lawsuit, but not for a half a billion dollars."

In an e-mail to U of M Provost Ralph Faudree, Rajiv Grover, dean of the Fogelman College of Business and Economics, described Moore's teaching performance as "generally good," adding that he has "shown some improvement in recent years."

In the area of research, though, Grover called Moore's record "sporadic."

According to the college Roles and Rewards document, assistant professors must maintain a "consistent flow of research activity, expected to result in an average of one publication per year" in order to receive a promotion to full professor.

Moore has published two articles since 2002.

Service is also considered when assistant professors seek promotion.

Moore has served on School and College Committees and is recognized for being a frequent guest and analyst for local and some national media.

In Grover's e-mail to Faudree, he said, "The impact of this activity in supporting the university service mission in adding value to the School and College's outreach is not clear."

Sophomore Judaic studies major Jordan McDugle thinks The University should accept some of the blame for Moore's "sporadic" record.

"If he hasn't fulfilled his duties, especially after being here for 23 years, then that's partly the school's fault," he said.

McDugle said The University should pay closer attention to the performance of their professors and not allow them to under-perform.

Mike Brewer, a junior physical education major, said it's unlikely Moore will receive the full amount he's suing for, but the outcome of the lawsuit will only hurt U of M students.

"If by some chance that were to happen, the money's coming out of our pockets - the same kids he's teaching," he said. "So who's he hurting more: the school or the students?"