Wild Justice

Wild Justice by Ruth M. Sprague is a compelling fiction novel from the early 1990s that delves into the systemic sexism and institutional power struggles within academia. The story follows Professor Diana Trenchant, an experienced academic at Belmont University, who finds herself embroiled in an unjust termination hearing. Accused of falsifying student evaluations, Diana's case exposes the hypocrisy of a university administration that seemingly overlooks far more egregious offenses committed by its male faculty. Through a narrative infused with humor and indignation, Sprague meticulously unveils the disingenuous practices and entrenched gender biases that protect the status quo. As Diana's defense unfolds, readers witness the skewed dynamics between faculty and administration, the petty motivations behind the accusations, and the self-serving actions of key figures like Henry Tarbuck and Lyle Stone, alongside the complicity of others such as Professor Jonathan Bambridge. Ultimately, the novel highlights how Diana's personal plight becomes a battle against deeply rooted institutional injustices.

Reading ease score: 73.4 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.