Survey by American Association of Professors shows nearly quarter of respondents are switching due to states’s politics
Many professors in the US south, particularly in Florida, South Carolina and Texas, are considering leaving their state because of the impact the political climate is having on education, according to a new survey by the American Association of Professors.
The survey received responses from approximately 4,000 faculty members across the south and included other states, such as Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky, in its findings. About 25% of the professors in Texas who responded said they have applied for teaching roles in other states in the last two years, with another 25% saying they intend to start a search.
Last year, salary was the top reason as to why educators across the south were seeking employment elsewhere. In this year’s findings, however, “broad political climate” was the top motivator.
I had a lot of Central and South American friends growing up (well, “a lot” relative to most people in the Midwest in the 80s). Some of them said their families back in their parents’ home countries got upset if they called themselves Americans. I understand that feeling, but my response was, “OK, so what should you call a person from the United States of America?” They didn’t have a better idea than just saying American, which is why I think most people around the world just accept the term even if it is a little separatist. There just isn’t a better term.