|
« AAUP Homepage
|
Marxist Professor Tenured Despite Community Protest
A Marxist professor was granted tenure by the governing board of a Texas community college in March despite public outcry from local residents who opposed his candidacy because of his political views. David Michael Smith, a professor of government at the College of the Mainland in Texas City, had written newspaper articles in which he questioned U.S. foreign policy. Smith was recommended for tenure by the faculty in his department and by the college’s president, Homer Hayes, who spoke out in support of Smith’s right, under principles of academic freedom, to express his views on current affairs. At the college, candidates for tenure are recommended to the president by their faculty peers and by the president to the board of trustees. Tenure is awarded by the board.
Those who protested against Smith accused him of being a bad influence on his students. At a public hearing on the matter, several students spoke up in defense of Smith, testifying that, although he makes no secret of his political views, he encourages a free exchange of ideas. "He expects you to come down on the side you want to and argue that side vehemently," one student said, according to the Houston Chronicle. The board voted unanimously to award Smith tenure.
|