MOVING TO FRONT FROM APRIL 26--MORE COMMENTS WELCOME
A reader in the UK writes:
The latest trend is academic appraisal and promotion criteria designed to reward DEI enthusiasts and disadvantage those with heterodox views. Several readers have sent me examples from a set of appraisal guidelines under consideration at an unnamed University. The proposed guidelines would require deans and department heads to grade academics based on whether they ‘champion initiatives to promote diversity and fairness’, ‘embed and develop inclusive teaching practices’, and work for ‘fairer outcomes’.
Certain more elite institutions are bucking this illiberal trend. Oxford Magazine ( Download Oxford EDI Article copy) last year related the V-C’s ‘unequivocal’ stand against this new fashion for policing the thoughts of scholars. Since then, Oxford has reportedly ditched a plan to require DEI statements from job applicants. Proposals to add ideological standards to appraisal and promotion guidelines there are likewise thought to be dead in the water.
In the comments, please ask your readers to share what is afoot in terms of incorporating ideological criteria into appraisal and promotion guidelines elsewhere (U.S., U.K., Australia, etc.). It would also be good to know about similar experiences in other institutions.
Recall that the Academic Freedom Alliance has opposed the use of "diversity statements" in appointments. And Professor Matthew Finkin, an expert on academic freedom at the University of Illinois College of Law, has recently authored an excellent critical analysishttps://www.journaloffreespeechlaw.org/finkin.pdf of related proposals at his own university, from which there is much to learn for those facing these attacks on academic freedom elsewhere.
Comments are open for readers to report what's going on at their universities. Use a valid email address, and identify the university, even if you do not use your full name.
