Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ George Mason’s President Says Some Donor Agreements Fell ‘Short’ of Academic Standards

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

According to this article, "agreements show that the Koch Foundation and other donors had room to influence the selection and work of the professors whose positions they spent millions to support." More. The only surprise here is that anyone thinks this is an exception. It is an illusion to think that corporations and wealthy individuals do not expect a measure of control over the institution in exchange for their donation, even where written agreements do not exist. The withdrawal of donations to the University of Alberta in the wake of its decision to award an honorary degree to David Suzuki is clear evidence of this. The cost of contributions is compliance. Let's not pretend anything else is true.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
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Last Updated: Dec 22, 2024 01:10 a.m.

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