Ten years ago, I shared an important and difficult announcement with you all. My mother, Prof. Mitra Das, who began her illustrious teaching career at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 1972 and became a tenured faculty member in 1979, made the courageous decision to sue the University for age discrimination. Today, on the tenth anniversary of that decision, I am filled with immense pride and admiration for her unwavering determination and strength.
Initially, I found it hard to believe that the institution where my mother dedicated the bulk of her adult life and professional career—a place that inspired me with wonder as a child—had grown hostile to older faculty. However, through the grueling legal process, which included interviews with nearly a dozen faculty members at Lowell and the analysis of an extensive evidentiary trail, it became evident that a war was being waged against older faculty members by the administration, particularly by Dean Luis Falcon and Provost Ahmed Abdelal.
At an age when many of her peers succumbed to the hostile work environment and retired under duress, my mother, my intellectual and spiritual role model, stood firm. Universities are strengthened when they embrace both the innovation of youth and the wisdom of experience. Her fight was not just for herself but for the principles that make academic institutions pillars of society. Her resilience and commitment to these principles continue to inspire me, and I am proud that she stood up for what is right. Her victory was not just personal but a triumph for all who value justice and equality.
In the past ten years, instances of age discrimination in academia have persisted, highlighting the ongoing struggle between the corporatization of academia and the mandates of tenure and academic freedom. Older faculty members across various universities have faced subtle and overt pressures to retire early or accept reduced roles, often replaced by younger, less experienced, and cheaper labor. This trend undermines the foundational principles of academic freedom and the value of experienced educators. The corporatization of academia prioritizes profit and efficiency over the mentorship and wisdom provided by tenured professors, creating a conflict that threatens the very essence of educational institutions. Prof. Das's case was a landmark, reminding us that the fight for fairness and respect in academia is far from over.
Good luck, mom, on your continued journey. Your fight has paved the way for many and has set a powerful example for standing by one’s core principles. I love you and am eternally proud of you for your strength and courage.
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