The large lecture classroom in Haines Hall was filled to
capacity with more than 300 students taking the popular general
education classics course ““ Classics 20, Discovering the
Romans.
As Professor Andrew Dyck stood in front of a full lecture hall
Tuesday afternoon, students listened attentively and took notes on
Roman life and culture.
To the eyes of an outsider, business was carried on as usual
since the picture is similar to almost any other large class on
this campus.
But a little more than three months ago, Dyck had more on his
mind than his workload.
He turned himself in to police on Oct. 2, 2003, after a warrant
was issued for his arrest for allegedly sending pornographic
material to a 13-year-old Simi Valley girl over the Internet.
Though Dyck is charged with four felony counts of sending
harmful material to a minor, he said he is determined not to let
his students feel the effects of his personal problem.
“The case is in no way whatsoever effecting his
teaching,” said Donald Etra, Dyck’s attorney.
Etra also said if Dyck’s case goes to trial, the trial
will not be while school is in session.
As for now, Dyck will appear in court for a hearing at the end
of this month. Etra has said he will plead not guilty to all
charges.
Dyck, who has been teaching at UCLA since 1978 and was classics
department chairman from 1988 to 1991, said there has been no
reason so far for him to tell his students about the case. But if
he finds it necessary and feels that the class is being affected by
it, he said he will disclose the information.
If convicted, Dyck could face up to four years in prison.
Dyck’s case began in December 2002 by the Simi Valley
Police Department. The investigation was prompted by a complaint
filed by the victim’s parents about explicit material that
their daughter had received through e-mail.
During the following four months, a detective posed as the
victim and continued to receive information.
According to police reports, pornographic images and e-mails
that corresponded with those the victim received, were retrieved
from Dyck’s computer that was seized last July.