Does Tenure Impair the Free Search for Truth and its Free Exposition?
The 1940 Statement argues tenure, by ensuring academic freedom, contributes to the common good through the search for truth and its free expression. This argument was well elaborated by Kingman Brewster, then president of Yale University: This spirit of academic freedom within the university has a value which goes beyond protecting the individual’s broad scope of thought and inquiry. . . . If a university is alive and productive, it is a place where colleagues are in constant dispute; defending their latest intellectual enthusiasm, attacking the contrary views of others. From this trial by combat emerges a sharper insight, later to be blunted by other, sharper minds. It is vital that this contest be uninhibited by fear of reprisal. . . . [“On Tenure,” AAUP Bulletin,” Winter 1972, (Vol. 58, No. 4) pp. 382-3.] Critics respond that many faculty are not risk takers. True, but faculty should not have to risk their livelihoods to engage in ordinary research and teaching that may become contr