Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Florida State 'Sells' Economics Department

Basically Florida State University Sold out their economics department. With a 1.5 Million dollar donation, they created two chairs which now have Veto power over the department. This essentially puts a lot of power behind those two chairs who are to some extent Bought. Academic freedom down the drain? 
I hope this does not begin to happen in philosophy.
Full article:


While cutting positions often appeals to some folks, perhaps because it gives them that business feel, there are also attempts to increase revenue in various ways. Tuition has, of course, been increasing steadily. However, that somehow never seems to keep up with the financial needs of the schools. Schools also seek outside money, often in the form of grants and gifts. However, even these sources are often not enough.

Florida State University  hit on on interesting method of securing funds. A while ago, the FSU economics department entered into a contract with the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation. In this contract, FSU received $1.5 million to create two endowed chairs to “promote political economy and free enterprise.” While this all seems rather good, one concern is that the contract specifies that Koch’s representatives have the right to reject candidates selected by the faculty hiring committee. In short, the representatives have veto power over hires.

http://blog.talkingphilosophy.com/?p=2960
--

-------------------
Join PhilosoraptErs on Twitter or Facebook to get your daily dose of professional preparation!

Help me keep your fellow philosophers informed!

You can email Suggestions, Questions, and Links to PhilosraptErs@gmail.com

Join me on Twitter or Facebook for updates. Please email suggestions, links and questions to PhilosoraptErs@gmail.com

No comments:

Post a Comment