Yesterday, McPhetres said he will not change his method of teaching, which includes conducting surveys and research.
“That’s the name of the game — freedom of the press, academic freedom, all the things that I firmly believe in,” he added.
In spring 2009, McPhetres’ Current Issues class conducted surveys and other studies on illegal drugs in the CNMI, prostitution, federalization, Article XII, the impact of the zoning law, tourism and other social-related issues.
NMC on Wednesday announced that McPhetres will return to the college as a full-time faculty member of the Social Sciences Department.
McPhetres’ contract was not renewed by then-NMC President Dr. Carmen Fernandez in Dec. 2009.
Fernandez was criticized for her decision. She was fired by the board on April 12.
NMC declined to comment when asked if the reinstatement of McPhetres was the result of an “out of court” settlement.
In a press statement, NMC said it cannot comment publicly on specific personnel matters to protect the privacy of individual employees.
NMC interim President Lorraine T. Cabrera said they were happy to have McPhetres back.
“His knowledge and vast experience has always been an asset to the college and to the CNMI,” she said.
McPhetres said he “decided to get lawyer to explore all possibilities and we arrived at an agreement with the college without going to court.”
He signed a new contract for two years.
He said he was “delighted” to go back to work, adding that he has no problems working with the new leadership of NMC and the board of regents.
McPhetres was selected by NMC’s Class of 2010 as keynote speaker in the graduation ceremony at the Marianas High School gymnasium on May 22.
