Fri Sep 20 07:00:00 UTC 2024: ## University of Maryland President Under Fire for Plagiarism Allegations
The University of Maryland at College Park is investigating allegations of plagiarism against President Darryll Pines. The allegations, first reported by conservative online publication The Daily Wire, claim that Pines lifted 1,500 words from a tutorial website for two papers he co-authored in 2002 and 2006.
Pines, who has been president since 2020, insists the allegations are baseless but has requested an independent review by the university’s Office of Research Integrity. He acknowledged “recurrent language in the introductory sections” of the papers but maintains the research and findings are sound.
The investigation is expected to be completed within 60 days. The controversy mirrors the recent scandal involving Harvard University president Claudine Gay, who resigned after plagiarism allegations were made public.
Experts in research integrity argue that the allegations against Pines are serious, especially given the significant amount of text allegedly lifted. Some critics suggest the accusations may be part of a pattern of attacks targeting Black scholars by conservative activists.
The Daily Wire reporter who broke the story, Luke Rosiak, has previously reported on similar allegations against other Black academics, often collaborating with anti-diversity, equity and inclusion activist Chris Rufo.
The University of Maryland will be closely watching the investigation’s outcome, which could have significant implications for Pines’ presidency.
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