2008 Woodie Awards
DSG prez's response prompts questions
Issue date: 10/16/07 Section: Editorial
Last update: 10/16/07 at 7:15 AM EST
Last update: 10/16/07 at 7:15 AM EST
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The issue of gender balance in the administration is especially pertinent in light of the recent departure of Kristina Johnson, former dean of the Pratt School of Engineering. But there are limitations to the idea that women look specifically to women for role models, and finding few in administrative positions, settle for the status quo.
Slattery expresses some concern about the exclusive nature of the old-boys'-club candidness he shares with administrators, but it should be noted that only one of Slattery's 11 cabinet members is female.
These numbers are particularly relevant to the discussion at hand in light of the fact that cabinet members are not elected by the student body but are appointed by the president, and that they wield considerable clout.
We are, in short, wary of the call for a gender-affirmative-action approach to hiring administrators as the simple answer to the issues raised.
Contrary to Slattery's recommendation, it does not follow from unsatisfactory stats or claims of male bonding between certain administrators and certain student leaders that a special effort should be made to seek out women to fill positions, administrative or otherwise.
It does follow from the fact that women and men are equally capable that as more progress is made and equal opportunity becomes a reality, fair searches for the best candidates-whether student leaders or administrators-will yield numbers of women in top leadership positions that reflect the proportion in academia as a whole.
Slattery expresses some concern about the exclusive nature of the old-boys'-club candidness he shares with administrators, but it should be noted that only one of Slattery's 11 cabinet members is female.
These numbers are particularly relevant to the discussion at hand in light of the fact that cabinet members are not elected by the student body but are appointed by the president, and that they wield considerable clout.
We are, in short, wary of the call for a gender-affirmative-action approach to hiring administrators as the simple answer to the issues raised.
Contrary to Slattery's recommendation, it does not follow from unsatisfactory stats or claims of male bonding between certain administrators and certain student leaders that a special effort should be made to seek out women to fill positions, administrative or otherwise.
It does follow from the fact that women and men are equally capable that as more progress is made and equal opportunity becomes a reality, fair searches for the best candidates-whether student leaders or administrators-will yield numbers of women in top leadership positions that reflect the proportion in academia as a whole.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Jason
posted 10/16/07 @ 10:05 AM EST
I appreciate this column as it speaks to a desire of a more inclusive University. But as I read it, I kept thinking that it did not necessarily comprot with my experience of Duke. (Continued…)
anon
posted 10/16/07 @ 2:12 PM EST
I almost like this article, especially the caution about a rush to affirmative action as a "solution" to the "problem." And an excellent point that it is the height of offensiveness that feminists claim other females are only comfortable with female role models. (Continued…)
Truth
posted 10/17/07 @ 1:09 AM EST
Paul Slattery HATES women.
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