A black professor in Florida was denied tenure.He argued that he was
a role model and an inspiration to the community because of his numerous
activities and committment to community projects.He had received numerous
awards for community service.
The Eurocentric tenure committee was not buying his argument.They wanted
to see his committment to scholarly publications.
It would seem that community service does more for the community and
society than some publications that are read by only a few people.
I suspect that down the road colleges and universities will be held
accountable for improving the social service health of the community.
It is one thing to enjoy the petty bourgeoise life of an academic,
but the real intellectual heroes may be those who become
public intellectuals to save society.
Parallel to another post, what are the pros and con of not academia
vs.industry, but that of academia vs.public service?
Michael Sylvester,PhD
Daytona Beach,Florida
