First Meeting: They Couldn’t Control Themselves

Well, they didn’t make it. Their first hour of faculty business meeting was a strong focus on our actual business and enrollment (enrollment is abysmal I’ll post more later). Then, midway, it seemed to dawn on them that an important secular ritual had been left out and the Native American Land Acknowledgement was hastily projected onto the screen and read in all solemnity. Although we have already committed to serving students from all backgrounds, this ritual helps secular professors ease their conscience. At any time, any one of them could sell their house and give it to the people of their choice. Given their view of history, each of them is complicit and guilty for their home ownership on the settler-colonizer land. How do they live with themselves?

This is where they compare so poorly to the rituals they are imitating. For example, when a Christian prays the Lord’s Prayer they actually want to live consistently with what they are saying. I’m not suggesting Christians are perfect. But you won’t find a Christian who prayed the Lord’s Prayer then justify why they personally don’t have to hallow the name of God but others should do so. Yet not one of these professors is living consistently with their land acknowledgement. It’s just empty words

Will these professors ever be consistent? As one Native American Faculty member said in one of our meetings: your words don’t mean anything to us you’re doing this for yourself.

Next up: will they resist getting political in faculty meetings during election season or will I be treated to more “F the Republicans” from PhDs?