Academic tenure in North America

For broader coverage of this topic, see Academic tenure.

Academic tenure in the United States and Canada is a contractual right that grants a teacher or professor a permanent position of employment at an academic institution such as a university or school.[1] Tenure is intended to protect teachers from dismissal without just cause, and to allow development of thoughts or ideas considered unpopular or controversial among the community. In North America, tenure is granted only to educators whose work is considered to be exceptionally productive and beneficial in their careers.[2][3]

Academic tenure became a standard for education institutions in North America with the introduction of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP)'s 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure. In this statement, the AAUP provides a definition of academic tenure: "a means to certain ends, specifically: (1) freedom of teaching and research and of extramural activities, and (2) a sufficient degree of economic security to make the profession attractive to men and women of ability."[4]

  1. ^ Stephey, M. J. (2008-11-17). "A Brief History of Tenure". Time. ISSN 0040-781X. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
  2. ^ "Tenure | AAUP". www.aaup.org. 30 June 2006. Retrieved 2016-03-06.
  3. ^ "The Truth About Tenure in Higher Education". NEA. Retrieved 2016-03-06.
  4. ^ "1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure | AAUP". www.aaup.org. 10 July 2006. Retrieved 2021-03-31.