Erwin Chemerinsky, the incoming Dean of the new law school at the University of California at Irvine, invited me to post his own thoughts on the tenure issue that we have been discussing recently. He wrote:
There is absolutely no way we would consider eliminating tenure. I understand the costs of the tenure system, but I am a strong believer in it. It is essential for academic freedom. Faculty will refrain from saying controversial things, and the exchange of ideas will suffer, without tenure. Also, it would be impossible to recruit faculty if we were to eliminate tenure. Why would anyone give up a tenured position (or the possibility of one) to come? Besides, the University of California would never allow it. I am really grateful for all of the suggestions. I think that we have the chance to create something very special. But it will definitely include tenure!
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