Prof Prachi SrivastavaJul 25, 2023

This is why, for all its flaws, we have tenure in #Academia.

Tenure is meant to protect freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of knowledge.

It is meant to be an institutionalised system to protect democratic debate and to speak, without fear, in the public interest.

Tenure is the hill.

@academicchatter @academicsunite

https://www.texastribune.org/2023/07/25/texas-a-m-professor-opioids-dan-patrick/

Texas A&M suspended professor accused of criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in lecture

The professor, an expert on the opioids crisis, was placed on paid administrative leave and investigated, raising questions about the extent of political interference in higher education, particularly in health-related matters.

The Texas Tribune
Show threadPaulAlanLevyJul 25, 2023

@prachisrivas @academicchatter @academicsunite

But Texas A&M does have a tenure system. Was this prof not tenured?

Show threadProf Prachi SrivastavaJul 25, 2023

@paulalanlevy @academicchatter @academicsunite

Not knowing the contract or terms of employment, I reckon that's why she was placed on paid administered leave and not let go. It is the only protection we have. Tenure does not preclude egregious or questionable actions by universities - but it does provide a layer of protection.

Show threadDavid States, MD PhD
@prachisrivas @paulalanlevy @academicchatter @academicsunite She is a Clinical Assistant Professor, a rank not usually associated with tenure
Jul 25, 2023 at 10:32pmWeb
Show threadProf Prachi SrivastavaJul 26, 2023

@statesdj @paulalanlevy @academicchatter @academicsunite

Thanks, David. I'm speaking more broadly about the necessity of tenure in academia especially during a time when it is willfully undermined, and further, in the current global political climate. I do not imply everyone has equal access to it, and know too well that tenure does not preclude institutions from acting in discriminatory or unethical ways. Just that, historically and in the most ideal sense, it is one of our few protections.