American Association of University Professors Urges Duke University to Swiftly End Employee Buyout Program

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) recently urged Duke University to pause its voluntary separation incentive program and any layoff plans. They want faculty and staff to have a say in these decisions.

In a statement, AAUP President Todd Wolfson pointed out that the university didn’t involve faculty or staff when discussing the financial issues that led to the voluntary separation incentive plan. He emphasized the need for transparency and called on top administrators and athletic staff, who earn over $500,000, to consider temporary pay cuts to help balance the budget instead of laying off employees.

“When cuts are on the table, the faculty must be part of the discussion at every step,” Wolfson stated. He expressed concern that the layoffs might target programs in the humanities and social sciences.

The AAUP advocates for academic freedom and university governance. Duke’s chapter was established in 2023 and recently signed a statement against actions by the previous government regarding academic matters.

The AAUP has set guidelines for universities facing financial crises. They recommend that any claims of financial exigency be verified by an elected faculty body and that all other options be explored before terminating faculty appointments. Those laid off should be entitled to a hearing, and no new faculty hires should occur until financial stability returns.

Duke’s administration hasn’t confirmed if faculty were consulted about these layoffs or the buyout offers. Reverend Amy Laura Hall, an AAUP member and Duke professor, noted that some instructors with research responsibilities have received buyout proposals.

Duke did clarify a previous error in the timeline regarding the response period for buyout offers. Initially, it was reported that employees had nine days to respond, but it was later corrected to a 45-day window.

Hall expressed that the core issue is the lack of faculty involvement in these processes. She emphasized, “Without transparency, faculty governance cannot exist.” This concern isn’t just about Duke but reflects broader issues within North Carolina’s higher education system, where Duke is a significant player.

The current discussion at Duke reflects growing trends in academia, where faculty governance and involvement in financial decisions are increasingly scrutinized. As universities face budget cuts, the role of faculty in shaping policies around these decisions is more important than ever. According to a recent survey by the AAUP, over 60% of faculty members believe that faculty should have a substantial role in budgetary decisions at universities.

In today’s climate, issues like these not only affect individual institutions but can also influence policies and practices statewide.



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