Saying “No” to Whiteness

Junior faculty are advised to say “no” to many things in order to preserve time to write and, ultimately, to get tenure. They are told to say “no” to committee requests (though, only to the unimportant ones). They are told to say “no” to requests for service (except for the service the university is counting on them to deliver). And they are told to say “no” to burdensome mentorship commitments (unless the students truly need them). Whenever an institution does not reward their faculty with teaching releases, financial compensation, or tenure considerations, junior faculty are urged to exercise discretion, and say “no” whenever possible. Finding a way to say “no,” in fact, can be among the most challenging negotiations for new faculty and, ultimately, may be the difference between receiving tenure and being encouraged to send out your resume.