Organic Chemistry Professor Faces Criticism After Making Racist Comments During Lecture

Robert Ternansky, a UC San Diego professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, is coming under fire for racially charged comments he made toward workers who appeared to be Latine during an Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 41A) lecture on October 11.

In a recording of the lecture shared via Instagram and Reddit, Ternansky shouts, “Sí, sí, señor. Ándale, ándale! Arriba, arriba!” down a hallway outside of the lecture hall. He then asks his students, “How do you say ‘quiet’ in Mexican? Cállate?” and goes on to have a discourse with his students about his limited knowledge of Spanish. As he ends his stream of comments, Ternansky says to his students, “Someone tell me if they start running in here with their weapons.”

Students and faculty members posted their sentiments on social media with the vast majority disapproving of Ternansky’s remarks.

Over 1000 comments have been made on Instagram and Reddit regarding Ternansky’s statements, with many students describing them as “disgusting” and “unacceptable” and demanding that the professor be held accountable.

Rommie Amaro, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, shared on Twitter that she was “outraged to see a colleague making openly racist remarks while teaching.”

Some students have characterized the statements as being “ignorant and obnoxious” and not “intentionally racist.”

In response to the statements, the Office of Academic Affairs stated on Instagram that they are actively working with University officials to “demand this professor be removed from UC San Diego.” They go on to add, “We will not let this get swept under the rug as in previous years” and write, “We demand action.”

On October 14, Ternansky issued a brief apology via a Canvas announcement that read, “I am writing to acknowledge my inappropriate comments in lecture and to sincerely apologize to all of you for my behavior. These comments do not align with our campus values.” Ternansky stated he would send a “more formal apology shortly” and will personally apologize during his lecture on October 18.

In a statement provided to The Triton by Assistant Director of University Communications Erika Johnson, University leadership stated, “The university is aware of the situation and is taking the appropriate steps to engage the professor about his comments, which do not reflect our community values of inclusivity and respect. UC San Diego is committed to the highest standards of civility and decency toward all. We are committed to promoting and supporting a community where all people can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of abusive or demeaning treatment.”

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry reaffirmed the University’s statement in an email sent on October 15 to all students, faculty, and staff in the department. The statement, which came from Vicki Grassian, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Stacey Brydges, vice chair of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Climate, reads, “We are appalled by the disrespectful and racist remarks … and are deeply sorry for the impact on our employees to whom these comments were directed, our students, and our Latinx/Chicanx communities.” The statement adds, “The Department will respond with further actions shortly.”

On October 16, UCSD released a public statement on the matter explaining that they’ve engaged Ternansky about his comments and that his comments do not align with University values. “Any further action involving the faculty member will not be shared publicly as personnel matters are confidential,” the statement added.

October 26, 2022 update:

On October 17, Steven E. Boggs, the Dean of the School of Physical Sciences, sent an email to students apologizing for the actions of Robert Ternansky and following up on the incident. In the email, Boggs emphasizes how Ternansky’s comments “caused deep hurt to many members of our community” and extends his apologies to all who have been impacted. He goes on to say, “to ensure a productive learning environment for all, the instructor will be replaced in classroom instruction for the remainder of the fall quarter.”

Students voiced mixed feelings about the decision to remove Ternansky from this quarter’s classes after the email was shared on Reddit.

Many students in the Reddit thread agreed that Ternansky should be required to take Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) courses.

According to Inside Higher Ed, diversity training is not required for faculty members at the University level, but faculty orientation includes teaching instructors to value cultural diversity. Additionally, Inside Higher Ed states that UCSD’s “School of Physical Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have their own diversity initiatives.”

During the CHEM 41A lecture on October 18, Boggs addressed the class by apologizing on behalf of Ternansky and introducing Dr. Patrycja Hopkins as the replacement professor.

Boggs began by “sincerely thanking all of the students who reported their concerns about this class.” He encouraged students to report any future incidents to the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination at https://ophd.ucsd.edu/report-bias.

Boggs went on to add that Ternansky was “really sincere” about his apology. The department is working to “identify the disrespected staff” so an apology can be given to them, Boggs added. Ternansky was not present at the request of Boggs and was “heartbroken” about that decision.

Specific actions taken against Ternansky will not be made public per University policy.

Liam Winstead is an Assistant News Editor for The Triton.