As we begin to examine this subject, I would like to make 10 points. The U. T. System recognizes and appreciates the critical importance of tenure and academic freedom.
Academic disciplines thrive and grow through critical analysis of conventions and theories.
Throughout history, the process of exploring and expanding the frontiers of learning has necessarily challenged the established order. This is why tenure is so valuable, not merely for the protection of individual faculty members but also as an assurance to society that the pursuit of truth and knowledge commands our first priority. Without freedom to question, there can be no freedom to learn. The final bullet paragraph shows how well protected individual faculty members would be by the procedures we already have that are required for a termination proceeding. I know that there are people on the faculty who probably will be critical of the new guidelines, but I see no basis for legitimate criticism.