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AAUP censure likely to be lifted

It was reported today that Tulane University is likely to have its censure lifted as it negotiates with its faculty and the American Association of University Professors.

I wrote two years ago about the debacle faced by Katrina-affected universities who were hit with censure by the AAUP for alleged violations of faculty rights. Tulane and other institutions were forced to reduce faculty in light of the disaster.

The AAUP claimed the institutions did so in a way that violated the rights of faculty. Tulane, however, rightfully fought back and posted its own version of the events, including documentation of errors in AAUP’s censure process and report. While I don’t take sides for either Tulane administrators or faculty, I found Tulane’s official response refreshing for the simple reason that too many institutions roll over in light of public criticism — or they simply don’t respond publicly at all.

Progress has been made since 2007, and it is reported that Tulane administrators and AAUP have been working to have the censure lifted. The complete story is here.