When Naomi Schaefer Riley published "The Most Persuasive Case for Eliminating Black Studies? Just Read the Dissertations" she did not just deride an entire field of academic study. She also viciously, personally attacked the five black studies doctoral students spotlighted in a previous CHE article. By giving Schaefer Riley a platform in the preeminent academic news publication, The Chronicle elevated her attacks to legitimate scholarly critique. Worse, they did so without allowing a space for the scholars to respond or defend themselves. No one deserves that but junior scholars, in particular, do not deserve to be publicly attacked in The Chronicle for simply existing. If you agree that Schaefer Riley's form of engagement has no place in an academic space please sign, share, and share again.

UPDATE: SEE DESCRIPTION FIELD FOR UPDATE as of May 3, 2012.

(Summary: Editor responds & doubles down in support of Schaefer Riley, Graduate students given space to respond, Schaefer Riley given more space to condescend, and CHE Editor clarifies mission of CHE is NOT scholarly debate...and that I am a flake who does not understand journalism).

Also here.

UPDATE: CHE has responded to our requests. See here. Thank you to everyone who lent their support. It made a difference. Viva civility!

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