Can Academic Freedom and ‘at Will’ Employment Co-Exist?
Bastyr University violated the academic freedom of three faculty members when their contracts were not renewed, by failing to have adequate grievance procedures, and by failing to provide tenure or any meaningful job security, according to an investigation by the American Association of University Professors. The three faculty members had taught at the university, at which faculty members are “at will” employees, for 12, 9 and 4 years. In one case, the professor who was not renewed had been given a negative performance review, largely over issues of whether she intimidated people with her strong positions, but in all three cases, the final decision was abrupt — and similar to a dismissal in that they immediately lost computer access and had to clear out their offices. Bastyr, located outside Seattle, describes itself as focusing on “natural health sciences,” and is known for combining some Eastern traditions of medicine with Western scientific traditions. In all three professors’ case
Related Questions
- If there isn a problem to begin with, and the academic bill of restrictions would actually undermine academic freedom, then why is Horowitz doing it?
- What does the Freedom of Information Act generally allow a public body not to disclose regarding employment information?
- Does CES make a recommendation regarding candidacy for academic admission, licensure or employment?
