[Jeanne G]

Originally Posted by marly youmans

Everywhere we look, administrations of all sorts grow too powerful, too luxurious, too monied. This wretched tale is yet another that contributes to the current doubts about academia.

My best to Ned and Jane...

Marly

My best to Ned and Jane as well, who I don't know as others do, but I can empathize.

This whole phenomena is from the higher ups of all sorts, definitely not just academia: it's all about corporate greed and better profits for the already rich to get richer while the worker bees get the shaft. It disturbs me deeply, as I see it everywhere from ditch diggers, to retail and on up to the white collar professions. There must be an answer, and speaking out, wherever, however we can has to be part of it.

Jeanne

[Jayne Osborn]

Andrew said in post #12:

I've heard any number of horror stories about politics at universities, which is one big reason I've avoided them.

Oh boy, this takes me back a decade or so, to my own experience as a college lecturer over here... I'll spare you the details of my sorry tale.

Deepest sympathy, Ned, and I hope you find a new employer soon -- one who is worthy of having you!

Jayne

[Catherine Chandler]

I read Ned's essay on Facebook yesterday and replied to him on that medium. I'll try to post a comment on the Loyola site, though, knowing full well how things transpire at universities -- which are run like corporations -- I doubt if it will be of any assistance to Ned. This is an unjust and disheartening situation, and I wish Ned well in finding a new position.

[Wendy Sloan]

Yes, very sorry, Ned; best wishes, Ned and Jane.
Tough times.
Despicable conduct by people running institutions that should be committed to some standard of integrity.
I'll try to navigate the article site ...
Thank you, Maryann, for posting this.

[E. Shaun Russell]

Nothing to add here except for support and commiseration. Really sorry to hear this, Ned. As someone who is working his way into academia, it's daunting and disturbing news indeed.

[Gail White]

Somehow I managed not to read this thread until now. I am distressed but not surprised. I sometimes think we should go back to founding universities the medieval way -- let the best professors walk away and take the students with them.

[E. Shaun Russell]

Originally Posted by Gail White

Somehow I managed not to read this thread until now. I am distressed but not surprised. I sometimes think we should go back to founding universities the medieval way -- let the best professors walk away and take the students with them.

It's funny you should say that, Gail. On our way back from Buffalo a couple of weeks ago, my wife and I were chatting about how there should be an incorporated town for emeritus and unfairly dismissed professors. A utopia of sorts where students from near and far can come to enroll for programs beyond the realm of academia.

Like More's Utopia, it's just a fantasy of course...yet given situations like Ned's, it's a wonder that various professors haven't just up and created their own perpetual independent colloquium.

[Gregory Dowling]

I'm coming late to this one too. All my support and sympathy to Ned.

And Gail's suggestion is a very appealing one. Maybe there are enough of us here already to set the thing in motion at once. And if you all come over here we can even find suitable medieval premises...

[Mary Meriam]

I'm so sorry, Ned. I hope this doesn't sound facile, but it's really true, I think, that this could lead to something much better, like......

YES to Gail's idea, and Gregory's offer! Let's go!!!! Not that I was ever a professor, but I should have been.

To Venice!!!

[Quincy Lehr]

Hmmm...anyone need an American historian?