Post-tenure reviews have been a topic of discussion in higher education for decades. The American Association of University Professors has had a stance on them since 1983, emphasizing that they should be used for faculty development rather than as a means for dismissal. However, recent developments in Florida have brought post-tenure reviews into the spotlight once again.
Last year, Republican lawmakers in Florida passed a law requiring post-tenure reviews for professors at public universities. While this policy is not unique, the implementation of these reviews is crucial. The board of the State University System of Florida decided that professors who receive the lowest review ranking, „unsatisfactory,“ will receive a notice of termination. This has raised concerns among faculty members, with some feeling that the policy is being used as a tool to remove unwanted individuals from the university.
At the University of Florida, the first round of post-tenure reviews has been completed, and the results have been surprising. Approximately one-fifth of reviewed professors failed to pass muster or chose to give up defending their tenure. This has led to speculation that the traditional concept of tenure is being replaced by a five-year contract, as stated by Meera Sitharam, president of the United Faculty of Florida union’s UF chapter.
During a Faculty Senate meeting, Provost J. Scott Angle provided preliminary numbers on the results of the reviews. He mentioned that around 21 percent of the 258 cases reviewed received the lowest ratings or decided to transition to full-time teaching roles, potentially giving up their tenure. These numbers indicate a significant impact on UF’s workforce.
The implementation of post-tenure reviews at UF seems to be more stringent compared to other public institutions in Florida. While FSU reported zero professors in the lowest categories, UF had a much higher percentage of faculty members who did not meet expectations. This divergence may be attributed to the state’s push to take post-tenure reviews seriously.
Governor Ron DeSantis played a significant role in the legislation targeting tenure in Florida. The controversial Senate Bill 266 required post-tenure reviews every five years and limited faculty members‘ ability to arbitrate personnel decisions. This has led to concerns about due process and the potential misuse of post-tenure reviews as a political tool.
One UF law professor, Steven Willis, is among the plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the post-tenure review law. He argues that the current process lacks due process and does not allow professors a fair chance to defend themselves. Willis, a Republican and Christian, supports the idea of post-tenure reviews but believes they should be designed with proper safeguards in place.
Overall, the situation at UF highlights the complexities and challenges associated with post-tenure reviews in higher education. As institutions navigate these policies, it is essential to ensure transparency, fairness, and respect for academic freedom to maintain a thriving and diverse academic environment.