AUPAEU, CONTEND-UP demand tenure for Sarah Raymundo

The All UP Academic Employees Union (AUPAEU) and the Congress of Teachers/ Educators for Nationalism and Democracy UP (CONTEND-UP) demanded tenure for Sociology Professor Sarah Raymundo July 9, whose petition was not granted despite passing the academic requirements.

In a forum titled “Striking a Balance: Excellence, Autonomy, and Freedom in the Academe,” Hon. Walden Bello said that the department must value its junior faculty and that decisions must be made democratically.

“Academic excellence must be 99 percent of the qualification for the granting of tenure,” Hon. Bello asserted.

Hon. Bello was on leave when Raymundo’s tenure was being considered. He said he was bewildered that Raymundo’s petition was not granted, being confident in his colleague’s capacities.

The former Sociology professor claimed to be apprehensive in attending the forum, saying it might increase Raymundo’s vulnerability by publicizing his first-hand accounts on the matter.

Dr. Ramon Guillermo, AUPAEU-Diliman president, said that the granting of tenure must be well implemented. He added that there should be time frame provisions for granting tenure, so cases like Prof. Raymundo’s do not have to lag for a long time.

UP Faculty Regent Dr. Judy Taguiwalo asserted that academic excellence and the rights of educators are secured by international covenants, the Philippine Constitution, and the UP code itself.

According to Prof. Raymundo, UP Diliman Chancellor Sergio Cao said that her case is still in review.

Prof. Raymundo’s file for tenure was not granted despite the 7-3 favorable vote from majority of the Sociology faculty.

Professor Randolf David, current Sociology Department head, told Prof. Raymundo on June 2 that she is no longer a member of the department as her contract already ended May 31 this year.

The Sociology Department has yet to release any statement regarding the matter. ▪

Article by Marie Julienne Ente