FORT WORTH -- An internal investigation by Tarrant County College concluded that a former professor created a hostile classroom environment for Muslim students who questioned his source material and complained that his teachings were biased during a November lecture.
Paul Derengowski’s Great Religions of the World class at TCC Southeast Campus grabbed headlines when a Nov. 8 lecture ended with two Muslim students abruptly leaving his class after questioning the professor about his lesson and other students reporting that they felt threatened by what happened. One of the Muslim students, Randa Bedair, e-mailed classmates and accused Derengowski of being biased.Derengowski eventually resigned, and later said that he did so under duress. His resignation became part of the inquiry, which also examined complaints from the Muslim students who left the class as well as accusations by other students that the Muslim students were disruptive and defamed the professor.The students supporting Derengowski also criticized the administration’s handling of the situation.But TCC administrators said that the situation was handled appropriately and that Derengowski’s resignation was completely voluntary."It was determined that Mr. Derengowski voluntarily resigned from his teaching responsibilities without duress as he alleged,” states a copy of the inquiry report obtained by the Star-Telegram through the Texas Public Information Act.The report added: “... Mr. Derengowski created a hostile learning environment for the two Muslim students.” The report concluded that the Muslim students didn’t display disruptive behavior or defame Derengowski. Derengowski said Monday that he is not surprised that the college would issue findings supporting the students. Administrators are “covering themselves” for mishandling his situation, he said.“I think it is a legal formality,” Derengowski said, adding that he did not voluntarily resign and that he is exploring his legal options.“You are getting the PR version of their so-called investigation," he said. Documents filed with the college district indicate that Derengowski felt “berated” by the Muslim students, who believed that he was speaking negatively about Islam and Mohammad.Bedair could not be reached for comment Monday evening.The inquiry states that 38 students — 28 of whom who are still enrolled in the class and 10 who dropped it — were asked if they felt threatened. Only 10 students responded.Some said they were uneasy about a requirement to read Derengowski’s personal web site, which referred to Islam as a cult. Others defended the professor, questioned the college’s response and accused the Muslim students of “sabotaging the class.”Twitter: @dianestarHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
