POT-GROWING PROF LOSES APPEAL TO KEEP JOB

A University of Victoria sociology professor found with a marijuana
grow-op in her home three years ago has lost an appeal to keep her
job.

Jean Veevers, 56, on staff since 1980, argued her battle with
depression, alcoholism and arthritis had clouded her judgment.

She had the official support of her faculty association. But a
three-member arbitration panel found "serious and wilful misconduct"
that tarnished the university's reputation and credibility. Her
dismissal -- the university rejected her offer to resign -- is
effective immediately.

"In retrospect, it was a tragic error in judgment of a person who'd
otherwise had a brilliant career," her lawyer Mel Hunt told The
Province last night.

UVic president David Strong, who recommended that Veevers be
dismissed, called the case "a tragedy . . . but unfortunately, a
tragedy of her own making."

Not only was Veevers engaging in illegal activities that were
"inappropriate" for a faculty member, he said, but "students were
involved, and that was the link with her responsibilities on campus."

Veevers pleaded guilty to cultivating marijuana and possessing
marijuana for trafficking after police raided her home in April 1997.

Officers seized 8.6 kilograms of marijuana and 122 marijuana
plants.

She was fined $15,000 and given a one-year conditional
sentence.

Veevers, plagued by financial problems from failed real estate
investments, first heard of the money-making potential of grow
operations while at a rehabilitation clinic for alcoholics.

She had taken a partial retirement package prior to her legal troubles
and was working just over half-time.

With the loss of that position, she gives up $52,000 in annual salary.