Sometimes it seems like Utah state legislators are in a competition to see who can pass the stupidest bill. Chris Herrod, R-Provo, recently threw his hat into the ring with a call to eliminate tenure for Utah professors.
There's a reason professors get tenure. Academics need to be free to pursue their research without fear of being fired for political reasons. In a state whose legislature frequently passes bills to make political statements on scientific issues, such as formally questioning global warming, this is absolutely essential for unbiased research to be carried out.
The optimist in me thinks this bill will find little support. Should it pass, it is going to be a huge blow to Utah higher education. Current tenured and tenure-track professors would not be affected, but Utah's two research institutions, University of Utah and Utah State University, would have a tough time recruiting new talent. Why would a professor choose a non-tenure track position in Utah when there are 49 states that are willing to offer tenure?
The bill is Utah House Bill 485, and its status can be tracked here.
2/24/11 update: the bill officially died in committee, though it was not without support; the House Education committee vote was 9-3 against, with 3 abstaining.
Herrod: "I don't understand the controversy."
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