C. Peter Magrath asks, "If freedom of expression and intellectual exploration can be guaranteed, contractually or otherwise, then what is wrong with the concept of long-term employment contracts for faculty members, which would offer far more job security than most of our fellow citizens have?"
The answer has two parts: First, it cannot be guaranteed -- contractually or otherwise -- for it will be human beings, with all their faults, biases, and prejudices -- who will be applying such new policies. Second, what is to stop the powers that be (i.e., those who will decide who gets renewed) to not renew controversial professors? Or professors who speak their minds too freely? I'm reminded of exiled professors in countries overcome by Hitler's regime and fear that we might repeat those same mistakes.
Finally, I might suggest that the public's perception of professors and professors' work is largely based on a few "bad apples" and old-fashioned prejudice that is fueled by politicians seeking "hot-button" political issues (e.g., alleged government waste).
Incidentally, workers who lack job protection should be provided with job protection comparable to tenure. We often talk of the benefits of Japanese businesses and products and so forth, but most ignore the lifetime employment and other unique benefits that Japanese workers enjoy. Think about it.
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- --Anonymous Professor, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, Pa. (posted 2/28, 10:15 a.m., E.S.T.)
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