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Tenure and academic freedom: Prospects and constraints

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 February 2007

Stephen J. Ceci*
Affiliation:
Department of Human Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853http://www.human.cornell.edu/che/Features/bio.cfm?netid=sjc9
Wendy M. Williams*
Affiliation:
Department of Human Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853http://www.human.cornell.edu/che/Features/bio.cfm?netid=sjc9
Katrin Mueller-Johnson*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Law, Cambridge University, CambridgeCB3 9DT, United Kingdomhttp://www.human.cornell.edu/che/Features/bio.cfm?netid=wmw5

Abstract

In our target article, we took the position that tenure conveys many important benefits but that its original justification fostering academic freedom is not one of them. Here we respond to various criticisms of our study as well as to proposals to remedy the current state of affairs. Undoubtedly, more research is needed to confirm and extend our findings, but the most reasonable conclusion remains the one we offered that the original rationale for tenure is poorly served by the current system as practiced at top-ranked colleges and universities.

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Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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