Lack of faculty tenure - a path to mediocrity for State College of Florida

To date, virtually all of the commentary regarding the elimination of tenure at State College of Florida has been focused on tenure as "job security" for faculty. Tenure does offer some job security. However, it is not a guarantee of security. There is much more involved in this issue than job security for faculty.

The integrity and quality of education is also protected. The educator does not have to worry about outside interests desiring certain issues be changed or addressed to suit their goals, beliefs or values.

This also protects the integrity and reputation of the educational institution as a reliable provider of a modern education, free of outside religious or political bias. Various aspects of education are under attack by various religious groups and politicians desiring to fulfill the aims of some of their constituents.

When abuse of tenure occurs, there is usually culpability both on the part of the abuser and lax oversight on the part of administration in allowing it to happen. Without tenure, the faculty and the institution are exposed, and sensitive to the whims and opinions of forces outside of the education enterprise.

The elimination of tenure for new faculty hires by State College of Florida is the most negative, destructive and regrettable action the Board of Trustees could take. It is a sure path to mediocrity. No capable graduate degree-holder would willingly seek employment at such an institution except as a last choice.

Abraham H. Epstein, retired professor

Bradenton

This story was originally published March 11, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Lack of faculty tenure - a path to mediocrity for State College of Florida ."