Wild Justice | Page 5

harshly? Her transgression is fairly innocuous and I'm surprised it's
even coming to a hearing panel. Why not slap her down or suspend her?
Hell, it would be less trouble to retire her, she's been here nearly
twenty-five years!"
Henry twitched with ill-concealed indignation for an instant then
answered calmly but with some passion, "Between you and me,
Jonathan, the bitch needs a taking down. You know how we've adjusted
to federal and state mandates that women be accepted, even encouraged
to work and matriculate here.
"All in all, it hasn't been a bad deal for us. Sure, we've had to raise
some salaries but, well, give the devil her due, most women do seem to
work hard and get a lot accomplished. They are usually fairly easy to
control. Most are scared stupid of being called a lesbian and petrified at
the thought that this accusation might be spread around among people
they know. Or, if they are married and obviously straight, plant the
suggestion that it might get around that they are promiscuous. It turns
them to jelly every time."
Henry laughed delightedly as he stood up and assumed a lecturer's pose,
unwittingly mimicking the profession he disparaged. As he warmed to
his subject, he walked back and forth across the office, adding
punctuation to his lecture with his body. Jonathan watched him

intently.
"Then there are the most enjoyable ones. They're on the make for any
man who is looking for an easy lay. They trade their ass for any glory
that may fall their way through association. As workers, most aren't
worth shit but they do as they're told. Have to watch them though
because if someone higher than you in the pecking, or ha ha, pecker
order, comes along, they leave you cold.
"Now, so-called liberated professionals, feminists, may become a focus
for women's groups on campus. They get a name for being champions
of women's causes. However, jerk their chain and they are a
hodgepodge of insecurities. They have worked so hard to attain their
position and the prestige and power that goes with it, that they are our
best allies against women's movements and demands for equal wages,
in short, any kind of problem we may encounter."
"How can that be, Henry?" Jonathan was finding the impromptu lecture
not only informative, but very interesting.
"We just put them on committees or hearing panels such as the one
coming up. In appearance, we are being fair by having women
represented, not just women, but women who are vocal regarding their
movement. Actually, because they want so much for themselves, they
are easy as hell to buy. We provide perks that make them feel important.
They get invited to presidential teas, trustee cocktail parties-- anything
that puffs them up, makes them feel good--that's the carrot.
"The committee chair lets them know how to vote and how well
pleased their dean will be with them and voila! Believe me, they well
know how bad it can get if they fall out of favor with the boss. If this
isn't convincing, just indicate to them that they can be made to appear
mentally unstable or morally deviant--that's the stick.
"Very few women fight back or quit a committee even if they become
uncomfortable with what it is doing. Most just keep their heads down
and hope nobody finds out how they voted. I've appointed three women
to the Trenchant hearing panel. Two of them are younger women hot to

trot up the academic success ladder which I just happen to be holding."
Henry paused, preening himself with obvious relish.
Eager for more of this fascinating information, Jonathan queried,
"What about Diana Trenchant? She doesn't appear concerned that
everyone would know she committed a crime. She refused to quietly
resign claiming that the accusations are false and apparently is going to
put on a defense at the hearing."
"Defense! Ha! It won't amount to bug dust. I chose the panel and I shall
chair the panel and the panel will vote to terminate her." Henry was
becoming very agitated. His pacing was now fast and choppy.
"She's one of those trouble makers who do so well in their job that it's
hard to find a reason to get rid of them. It is vital that we hold this
hearing and terminate her. We must provide an example." Turning back
toward the table, Henry started to shuffle the papers busily. "We've
gone over most everything in the handbook on procedure and as far as I
can see, everything is proper. What do you think?"
Jonathan, who was holding a copy of the faculty handbook and
studying the tip of his left shoe, shook his head in agreement. "It all
appears to be absolutely correct so far."
"Fine. Now I'll expect you