6 things to know about the drug-related plant causing issues at Miami’s Conservatory

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

The Journal-News reported today about the personnel situations involving three Miami University Hamilton faculty and a drug-producing plant at The Conversatory, which has caused debate.

Here’s what you should know about the story:

1. 3 faculty members affected

One faculty member (Brian Grubb, manager of The Conservatory) did not have his yearly contract renewed over the situation, while two professors (Daniel Gladish and John Cinnamon) are appealing their suspensions with pay.

2. What is the plant?

The plant is s tabernanthe iboga tree, which was brought to the conservatory many years ago, and its roots used to make a mind-altering drug in West African coming-of-age rites.

3. The investigation

University police and Drug Enforcement Administration agents visited The Conservatory Nov. 26, interviewed people and took the plant, later visiting a student who was growing two small plants at home. Nobody was charged.

4. Other schools keep these plants

Other botanical collections, including reportedly at Ohio State University, have the plants.

5. Why did this happen?

In taking the personnel actions, the university cited “University policy, including but not limited to the Drug Free Workplace Policy and the Reporting and Addressing Illegal Activity and Misconduct policy.”

6. Association creates petition to support faculty

The American Association of University Professors has created a petition that calls Miami University’s actions “unreasonably harsh, overcautious, and insufficiently informed,” and asks that the two professors and Grubb be returned to their positions “as soon as possible.” A petition at www.actionnetwork.org indicates 2,032 signatures have been collected, with a total of 3,200 sought.

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