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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsProfessor Denied Tenure Sues New College of Florida
Plaintiff Hugo Viera-Vargas was one of five faculty members denied tenure by NCFs Board of Trustees in April, despite receiving approval at every other point in the process. Trustees cited extraordinary circumstances in the tenure denial as the college undergoes major changes driven by a new board majority appointed by Republican governor Ron DeSantis, who has directed members to push NCF in a conservative direction. The board has complied by ousting former president Patricia Okker and installing DeSantis ally Richard Corcoran as interim president.
Viera-Vargas, a professor of Caribbean/Latin American Studies and Music, appealed the tenure denial, but his appeal was reportedly shot down; Corcoran cited a state law passed earlier this yearSB 266that limits arbitration of faculty grievances.
The lawsuit argues that the arbitration ban curtails Viera-Vargass academic freedom and forces him to engage in self-censorship, and that he was denied tenure, in part, because Corcoran disagrees with certain subjects that he teaches. A faculty webpage notes race is part of his research area.
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/08/07/professor-denied-tenure-sues-new-college-florida
jimfields33
(18,349 posts)At my university, they had way more than that turned down every year. If you missed it three times, you were out. Interesting if this lawsuit goes anywhere.
Sancho
(9,088 posts)...DeSatan's new appointed president (a politician) changed the tenure decision because of "woke" professors.
In Florida, we have collective bargaining agreements protected by the Florida Constitution.
cab67
(3,197 posts)But they were probably the only ones who'd been approved for tenure by their departments, deans, and provost.
In many states, he'd have a solid case for violation of contract. In fact, in my state, the university would have already settled with him. That being said, Florida may do things differently.
Old Crank
(4,457 posts)Normally they would be essentially a rubber stamp because of the other steps involving approval for tenure. Since the board members would be unlikely to have great knowledge of a professor 's field of study. They would defer to the process, which would be laid out in writing with all the documentation to support the action.
Marthe48
(18,661 posts)This case may end up in front of the (formerly) supreme court, where the unelected, lying, fascist majority will gleefully f**k the plaintiff over.