IN THE past, the University of Virginia has shown its reluctance to adjust to outside social dynamics. The University was far from progressive when it came to undergraduate admission for minorities and women. Presently, the administration continues on this path as faculty demographics show very little change. Assistant Prof. Wende Marshall’s tenure denial is a perfect example of the University’s reluctant attitude towards change.
Over the past few years, there has been an increasing sense of pride concerning diversity at the University. This feeling is justified to some degree. The class of 2009 will look a lot different from the graduating class as recent as 40 years ago. Thanks in large part to the late John Blackburn, the face of the student body has progressed to the point where the University’s demographics almost reflect that of the country.
But while student diversity has increased dramatically over the past few decades, faculty diversity has been at a standstill. According to the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement, in the year 2005, male faculty outnumbered females by a ratio of 3:1. Full professors were largely skewed towards males at a ratio of 1 female to every 6 male professors. One interpretation of this is that there are not enough women on tenure-track, but an even ratio between male and female assistant professors seems to counter this view.
Just as surprising is the makeup of minority professors. Black professors make up just 4%, Asians just 6%, and only 1% are Hispanic. There are even fewer minority professors serving as department chairs. This breakdown does not represent the population of the University, Charlottesville, or the United States.
Wende Marshall’s case is unique not only because she is an African-American woman, but also because she presents ideas that the University lacks. “There hasn’t been a professor at this university that has contributed more to my success,” states Thomas Roberts, a fourth-year who has been in three classes taught by Marshall. As a Sustainability Studies major that includes aspects of anthropology, urban planning, and environmental science, Roberts adds that Marshall provides “valuable, challenging viewpoints. No one has promoted community involvement more than her.” Roberts also states that community engagement is something that is desperately needed.
Marshall encourages community involvement to her students, but she also practices what she preaches. In 2006, Marshall was among those arrested during the Living Wage Campaign outside Madison Hall. The campaign has been a success partly due to the media attention it received from students and faculty demonstrating that civil disobedience can make an impact. Through the Living Wage Campaign, Marshall demonstrated to us all that problems affecting the college also have a profound effect on the community. Noble ideas such as these are dying at the University, and we should be embracing the people who bring them to us, not rejecting them.
It seems unwise to deny tenure to a professor who advocates activism because of the potential backlash from her students. Although students have no direct impact on the tenure process, a decision regarding their professor will cause controversy. This is exactly the case as students have demonstrated their disapproval of the decision. Individuals and groups of individuals have made their thoughts known by flooding Dean Meredith Woo’s inbox with angry letters.
The uproar created by her students speaks volumes to the credibility of Marshall. From their perspective, students believe that Marshall would be a valuable asset to the University and Charlottesville community. The administration should view the criticism as a reflection of Marshall’s effectiveness as a teacher and motivator.
Marshall’s tenure denial mirrors the University’s hypocrisy. Every year, admissions will inform us that there is an increase in diversity for the next undergraduate class, yet the administration makes little effort to promote diversity within the faculty. We are constantly reminded about the importance of getting involved in the Charlottesville community, yet one of the most active professors is denied tenure.
In the end, the tenure process is very opaque. The University has the right to keep some information confidential, but the decision affects students as much as it affects the prestige of the school. The administration should make a concerted effort to either give student inputs more weight outside of course evaluations or explain why a particular decision was made.
The reasons behind the tenure denial may be undisclosed, but Marshall’s impact on the University and community cannot be ignored. As a tenured professor, Marshall would bring U.Va. some ethnic, gender, and intellectual diversity, all of which are especially needed.
Hung Vu is a Viewpoint Writer for the Cavalier Daily.
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