The ongoing tensions between professors and administrators within Afro-American studies programs at two Ivy League colleges highlight major differences in the ideologies of various campuses, according to professors in UW-Madison's Afro-American studies department.
The competition between the programs at Harvard University and Princeton University escalated last December due to tensions between Harvard Afro-American studies Professor Cornel West and university President Lawrence Summers. Summers asked West to concentrate on his academic duties, following a number of extracurricular activities, including West's production of a hip-hop CD. West then considered a switch to Princeton, announcing last week that he will leave.
\I think the issues have to do with the nature of power at Ivy League schools,"" said Craig Werner, chair of the UW-Madison Afro-American studies department.
Werner said Harvard places emphasis on hiring high-profile faculty who will generate revenue for the university, which can create tension between the faculty's public and private obligations.
""Most of the big name people in Afro-American studies spend very, very little time with students,"" Werner said. ""They are public figures. They are researchers. They are fund-raisers.""
By contrast, Werner said the UW-Madison department focuses on student experiences.
""We're not as highly visible as they are. We don't spend our time playing the star game,"" he said.
Yet he did note that breaking into the public market, like West did, is not unusual. Werner has been interviewed by the British Broadcasting Corp. and National Public Radio, and Associate Professor Sandra Adell is also an actress. The difference, Werner said, is in balancing obligations.
Professor of black history William Van DeBurg agreed, citing UW-Madison faculty's ability to juggle outside activities with their academic responsibilities.
""We focus on students as well as research,"" he said.
In addition, both Van DeBurg and Werner said Harvard and UW-Madison have very different methods of administration and funding, leading to differences in faculty behavior. While Harvard is privately financed, UW-Madison is a state school rendering press and national attention less vital for professors. Teaching Assistant Michelle Gordon said she appreciated this fact.
""The professors aren't all about their big talks and big names,"" Gordon said.
Van DeBurg expressed regret that the West incident portrays Afro-American studies departments negatively.
""What the situation at Harvard has highlighted is the arrogance and greed of academics,"" Van DeBurg said.
