Justice: Embellishment accidental
CARSON CITY -- Supreme Court Justice Nancy Saitta has acknowledged she inadvertently inflated one of her academic credentials by calling herself an associate professor while teaching at a Nevada state university, but she said the embellishment was accidental and will not be repeated.
Saitta, who last year won a six-year term on the state's high court, included on her 2006 election Web site a list of her credentials and accomplishments. One item on the list describes her as: "University of Nevada Las Vegas, Associate Professor in the Political Science Department."
Saitta taught one course in introduction to political science for the spring 2005 semester at the university. But a check with a university official shows she was hired as a part-time instructor, not at the rank of associate professor.
"She was hired on a contract basis to teach one class," said Gian Galassi, a spokesman for the university.
When asked about the listing on her Web site, Saitta said she contacted the UNLV political science department and was told that identifying herself as an associate professor was in error.
Saitta said she would never intentionally claim a qualification that was not deserved. Students called her by the title of professor when she taught the class, she said.
"I don't ever want to mislead anyone," she said. "I will correct it in future references."
The election Web site with the erroneous information is still accessible. Saitta said she is trying to find the webmaster who created the page for her.
Current biographical information about Saitta on the official Supreme Court Web site does not list her as an associate professor at UNLV.
Jonathan Knight, director of academic freedom and tenure programs for the American Association of University Professors, said accuracy is important when a person lists their academic responsibilities and positions.
"Especially in a profession that places such an importance on getting at the truth," he said. "I'm pleased to hear the judge has acknowledged the error. I presume that will be the end of the matter."
