Title: Paul Boswell Papers, 2004-2006
ID: OGLMC/1603
Extent: 0.25 Linear Feet
Date Acquired: 06/05/2012
Languages: English [eng]
The Paul Boswell Papers were acquired as a three ring binder of documents relating to the events surrounding his involvement in the conflicts in the School of Communications (SCOMM) and the controversy over his death. The documents in the binder were gathered and assembled by members of SCOMM (presumably those listed in Folder 10 under contact information) to provide Boswell’s parents with a better explanation of the events surrounding his death. The collection was conceived of and presented as a complete book and this arrangement was retained in processing of the collection.
Folder one contains the title page, while folder two explains the purpose via a letter written to Boswell’s parents.
Folder three contains the first chapter which sets out the job description and terms under which Boswell was hired as the Director of the Native Media Center.
Folder four, “Paul’s Voice,” builds on the previous chapter as it is a collection of his monthly activity logs and correspondence. The majority of the letters relate to conflict with his supervisor. These documents are organized chronologically and date from spring 2005 to February 17, 2006. Often log pages precede the correspondence for each month.
Folder five, “Support,” contains letters written in support of Boswell.
The sixth folder, “SCOMM Background," explores the conflict greater detail. This chapter contains documents relating to the university’s investigation of SCOMM.
Folder seven, entitled “Paul’s Grievance,” contains documents that relate to his grievance against his supervisor.
The eighth folder, “Administrative leave,” contains: “Documents submitted by his accusers to the Harassment Investigation Team. After two months investigation, it was concluded that Paul was innocent” of any threatening conduct during Communicator’s Day.
Folder nine, “Investigation,” concludes the information portion of the book as it contains contact information for the members of SCOMM and a note encouraging his parents to contact them with any questions.
“Investigation,” the final folder in the collection, contains documents relating to Boswell’s death, including the autopsy report, officers report and witness statements.
Access Restrictions: Open for inspection under the Rules and Regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.
Acquisition Source: Malika Carter, UND Multicultural Student Services
Acquisition Method: Donation; 2012-3169
Preferred Citation: (Description of Item). Paul Boswell Papers. OGLMC 1603, Box #, Folder #. Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections. Chester Fritz Library. University of North Dakota Grand Forks.
Processing Information: Processed by Sonja Hathaway, Special Collections intern, in August 2012.
