China Focus: Biden could improve U.S.-China relations by ditching the “China Initiative” but…

In my latest editorial for China Focus, I examine why President Biden could -- but will not -- abandon the "China Initiative" that has harmed U.S.-Chinese relations. Biden will be strategic, and those of us who want to see the “China Initiative” go away should expect the administration to abandon current cases against Chinese scholars …

Faculty at Tennessee want Anming Hu to return

For the second time in as many weeks, the faculty at a prominent U.S. university are standing up for Chinese scholars. We can hope this trend continues.  This time, the loud voices of support are coming from the University of Tennessee. Professors at that institution are demanding Anming Hu be reinstated with back pay and …

CGTN: U.S. academics show a spine, support their Chinese colleagues

In my latest editorial for CGTN, I commend a group of U.S. professors for supporting their Chinese colleagues working throughout America. And I demand more. Although mine is only one voice, I have written and spoken often about the need for colleges and universities in the U.S. and China to lead the way in promoting …

Duquesne University caves?

It appears a Duquesne University professor who used a racial slur in class will be allowed to get his job back. Pity. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has the details. Mr. Gormley on Friday met a deadline to respond to a faculty grievance committee’s recommendation that Gary Shank be reinstated. Members last month found the professor “exercised …

An open letter to the fall semester

Dear fall semester, I find it odd writing you, an inanimate object; but in a year that has had so little coherence to it, such a letter seems perfectly rationale. We’re about to commence on the most unusual semester, and that’s coming off a rather bizarre spring term. It’s go time in one week at …

STAFF: The unsung heroes as our campuses ready to reopen

The people completing the tasks mentioned below might not have the exact titles I’m listing here (or the assignments might be handled by other departments), but you know who they are: The unsung heroes getting our college campuses ready for reopening. Chances are no matter their title, they’re considered staff on our campuses. And that …

Canisius lays off almost 100 people, including 25 faculty; lawsuits promised

The Buffalo News reports Monday was a horrible day at Canisius College. And lawsuits are sure to follow. Tanya M. Loughead, president of Canisius’ chapter of the American Association of University Professors, said almost all of the faculty being let go are tenured. She said they have legal rights that would prevent them from being …

The missing piece of the coronavirus conversation on too many of our college campuses

"This fall, we plan to..." "Our intention is to begin the fall semester by..." "While paying attention to health conditions, we have decided that the fall term will..." Statements such as these have now been made public by America's colleges and universities. Let's set aside whether you agree with the decision to go on ground …

If the college/university opens this fall, then we’ll need…

...recognition that staff, if required to be on campus each day, are among the most likely to catch coronavirus, and they will struggle to handle the financial implications of being out of work ...plans to ensure a robust discussion inside and outside the classroom about the dual issues afflicting the U.S. this summer: racism and …