SOME QUESTIONS ON ACADEMIA FROM JOHN TIERNEY:

1) Given the slow turnover of faculty and its bad effect on opportunities for young female (and male) scientists, should advocates for more women in science be trying to eliminate tenure? (Some Title Niners have advocated its abolition.)

2) Given the consequences of the law forbidding mandatory retirement of professors, should we think twice about imposing further federal restrictions? Could Title IX become another rigid, one-size-fits-all rule that makes it harder for universities to hire the best young scientists?

Good questions.