Professor Facing Discipline For Refusing To Use $180 Textbook Authored By Department Chair

FULLERTON, Calif. (AP) - A Cal State Fullerton math professor faces discipline after dumping a $180 textbook written and mandated by his department chair -- instead choosing cheaper books that he says are better.

The Orange County Register reported Monday that university officials threatened Dr. Alain Bourget last year with discipline as serious as dismissal after he taught Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations with his preferred books.

The school says Bourget violated department policy and went against orders from the provost and former dean of the math and sciences college. Bourget and his supporters say the school has suppressed his academic freedom and is not acting in the interest of its students.

Bourquet will appeal a letter of reprimand in a meeting Friday.

University officials said they're unable to comment on personnel matters.