Oklahoma Colleges Abolish Tenure

In a significant shift for higher education in Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt has officially abolished tenure for faculty at regional public and community colleges. This change is set to take effect immediately and aims to enhance accountability within the state’s educational institutions.

Abolition of Tenure in Oklahoma Colleges

Effective Thursday, the executive order prohibits public colleges and regional universities from granting lifetime tenure appointments to new faculty members. Institutions will now contract faculty on a fixed-term basis. These contracts will be renewable based on several criteria, including performance, student outcomes, and alignment with workforce needs in Oklahoma.

Details of the Executive Order

• Governor’s decree impacts regional public universities serving over 54,000 students.
• Existing tenured faculty can retain their tenure status.
• Performance reviews will influence contract renewals for new hires.

Oklahoma’s 13 community colleges are also included in this tenure ban. However, public research universities, like the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, can still grant tenure but will undergo stringent post-tenure reviews every five years.

Criticism of the New Policy

Critics of this policy argue that it undermines academic freedom and could adversely affect the quality of education. Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), stated that the order signals a devaluation of academic integrity in Oklahoma. He warned that this could hinder the state’s ability to attract high-caliber faculty.

The governor’s office has maintained that job security should not exempt faculty from regular performance evaluations. Stitt emphasized that, “No job funded by taxpayers should be exempt from regular, meaningful performance reviews.”

Concerns from Academia

Experts have weighed in on the implications of this change. Deepa Das Acevedo, a legal anthropologist, pointed out that tenure may not negatively impact faculty productivity as often assumed. Research indicates that job security can foster an environment conducive to academic inquiry.

Furthermore, analysts foresee an increase in administrative burdens as institutions navigate the new evaluation requirements for faculty. The post-tenure review process may demand extensive documentation and resources, potentially redirecting focus away from teaching and research.

Future of Tenure in Oklahoma

This decision could influence other states with similar political climates, prompting them to consider legislation that undermines tenure protections. Tim Cain, an expert in higher education, mentioned that Oklahoma’s actions might embolden similar efforts nationwide.

Amid these changes, a broader trend is observable across the United States: the declining presence of tenured faculty. A recent AAUP report revealed that as of fall 2023, only 23% of faculty held full-time tenured positions, a marked decrease from 39% in 1987.

Performance-based Funding Initiatives

Alongside the tenure abolition, Governor Stitt has announced a plan for performance-based funding aimed at maximizing returns on state investments in higher education. This plan, to be developed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, is expected to be ready by October 1.

Overall, the removal of tenure in Oklahoma colleges may introduce significant changes in how faculty are evaluated, hired, and retained, raising questions about the future landscape of higher education in the state.