… at the University of Florence — unable to overcome his dark ethical side.
[Jezzi] was allegedly put under pressure to withdraw his candidacy for a qualification as a professor of tax law.
Jezzi claims he was asked to step back so that a less qualified – but better connected – candidate could put himself forward, and was promised he would be selected next time in exchange for the favour.
Instead of accepting the offer, he reported the incident, which happened during the 2012-13 academic year, to police, and spent the subsequent years secretly record[ing] conversations with senior academics which have shed light on how widespread the exchange of favours was.
One phrase from the incriminating phonecalls, transcripts of which were published by Repubblica, has prompted a particular backlash in Italy.
When Jezzi protested about the way qualifications were being awarded, he was apparently told: “What will you do, appeal? That way you’ll risk your career. Stop doing things the English way and do them the Italian way.”
Benvenuto in Italia!
October 9th, 2017 at 9:33AM
I have a couple of friends in Italian universities, and the shit that goes on there with faculty appointments is unbelievable.