Dysfunctional Academic Self-Censor - Contribution Made at the February 2008 College Art Association Annual Conference, Dallas, TX

The following story of self-censorship was submitted anonymously on 1/27/2009

I keep finding myself in particularly dysfunctional academic institutional situations. I’ve spoken out often, trying to constructively work toward better systems – more inclusive, more compassionate, smoother flowing. As I find myself at a new university this past year, I see some significant problems, Disgruntled peer faculty confirming my own feelings of disempowerment and alienation. But due to the often painful emotional struggles associated with speaking out in the past I find myself reluctant to speak out this time. Thinking flustered about resigning what is admittedly a poor paying adjunct teaching job. It’s maybe just not worth it. But then on the other hand what do I have to lose? This is my current struggle. The central problem I’m seeing in this institution is the basic inability to hear & digest criticism. Isn’t that so often the case?