University concerns

[mr715]

So I am a doctoral candidate in a well respected lab... Our university president is a freshly installed patronage appointee of Gov. DeSantis.

She is giving us a visit and I do not know how to behave. Big university, so these visits are rare and meaningful. I figure it is good office politics to be a well behaved student and do the yeoman's work - just do my job. If she wants to talk, talk about the job and the university mission. But I don't want to take photos with her.

I'm worried that bad behavior may adversely impact funding, of which I am heavily reliant.

At the same time, the role of university president isn't actively political in sensu stricto so am I wrong for feeling gross when a DeSantis apparatchik comes a knocking.

[spooky3]

1. Retired full professor here--I like your plan and understand

Your feelings. I’m very sorry you are being put in that position. Good luck on your continued success.

[mr715]

2. Thanks!

My PI is the one in the tougher position obviously. He doesn't get the opportunity to hide behind shelving.

I'm worried if I elect out of a photo, other people will follow and it'll become a thing...

[spooky3]

7. I think it would be ok if you said you'd rather not be in the photos

(Without saying why) and they will probably accept that.

A lot of people are concerned with online privacy or just don’t like being in photos, so it shouldn’t raise suspicions.

[multigraincracker]

3. Great question.

Unless you are in a political field, I would try to focus on your field and if asked tell them you just focus on your work and stay out of politics.

[Irish_Dem]

4. Act in a polite, well mannered way.

Wear suitable clothing. Clean, neat, presentable

Do what your supervisor tells you to do.
If you want to keep your funding, job, etc.

[mr715]

5. I get the benefit of a lab coat

Should hide any ideology-signaling clothing.

If I am understanding you correctly, you are suggesting playing the long game

[Irish_Dem]

6. You've worked so hard and have taken your generals.

You passed those and are now in the home stretch of being awarded your doctorate.

I don’t recommend you blow it all by acting out which will achieve nothing. These nazis don’t care about our opinions and will punish us.

Keep your head down and try to fade into the woodwork. Get your PhD and then you can speak out if you wish.

If you speak out now or do anything untoward you put the labs funding in jeopardy and your advisor will hang you by your toes.

[spooky3]

8. Unfortunately, will have to keep quiet until after tenure

or possibly longer.

[Irish_Dem]

9. Tenure will not protect anyone from Trump.

If you work in a university system and want to keep your job you will have to stay silent.

[spooky3]

10. My point was that finishing the PhD and getting a job does

Not mean one will be free to speak up without consequences.

This is in response to your saying “Get your PhD and then you can speak out if you wish.”

[Irish_Dem]

11. They cannot take away his PHD once he has it.

This is my point.

[spooky3]

12. no one said that nt

[yardwork]

13. I have worked at research universities for a long time.

I recommend that you follow this poster's advice. I would not try to avoid being in a photo, either.

Universities are under sustained attack and your PI's federal funding is at risk.

If you are asked to speak talk only about the potential good that will come of the lab's work. Talk about how grateful you are to have this opportunity to learn and contribute.

Wear professional clothes and don't make any political or social comments whatsoever.

This is true for almost everybody in a professional position. You aren't being hypocritical. Your research is your statement.

[Irish_Dem]

14. In the US military the goal is to stay alive to fight another day.

Same thing we are talking about here.