Stanford professor writes if such arbitrary actions, prompted by outside influence and trumping faculty governance, can be undertaken with impunity in this case, there is absolutely no reason to believe that it could not happen again, to any other faculty hire in the country for any other reason, Israel-related or not. Lets remember these words if, after tomorrows emergency Board of Trustees meeting in Chicago, we hear that Salaita has been reinstated. And remember, too, if this happens that we do not know what brought about the decision to reverse the Chancellor. Lets not congratulate ourselves, those of us who have spoken out for Salaita. Prof. Palumbo-Liu is right: this can and will happen again. THE ONLY WAY TO PREVENT THIS IS TO FORM A UNION. IF SALAITA HAD BEEN COVERED BY A UNION CONTRACT, THIS WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. The contract with the faculty member now is written by and completely dependent upon the universitys legal team. The faculty member can negotiate certain terms, but the actual contract is a one-sided document. Oh, thats why college presidents arent writing letters of concern: they want to protect the asymmetric power relationship between university and faculty. Duh! And dont get me wrong. I would be thrilled if the BoT reversed the Chancellors decision. I really want Salaita to come here, and I certainly want him and his family to be done with this nightmare.
Posted on: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 02:58:58 +0000