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Following layoffs, Boston University announces ‘inquiry’ into Ibram Kendi’s Antiracist Center
During the heights of antiracism mania back in June of 2020, Boston University decided to show off their commitment by hiring noted antiracist Ibram Kendi to head their new "Antiracist Center", which raised tens of millions of dollars and included dozens of faculty members. Three years later, after failing to achieve such important objectives as a "Racial Data Tracker", complaints emerged about the center's management of funds and culture. For example, the former "assistant director of narrative" (incredible job title, btw) complained that Kendi was never available and shit didn't get done; he was busy producing important academic work such as a graphic novel, a podcast, and a TV show, and recently returned from several months of leave to tell half of the staff they were being laid off so they could switch to a "fellowship based model". Another professor wondered where grant money, that never seemed to be tied to any expectation of performing research, had gone. This article from the student paper goes into more detail on the allegations.
You have to feel for BU here - after all, the guy won a MacArthur genius grant and wrote a NYT bestseller. There was no way to predict he had no idea how to run an academically rigorous enterprise.
Absolutely not. Firstly, Kendi's entire philosophy could be summarized simply that "any difference in outcome is caused by racism, we just need to find the racism". That isn't academic or rigorous, it is a conclusion looking for targets. Secondly, receiving accolades and awards for saying politically flattering things to those people who are granting those awards and are part of the cultural and political elite isn't impressive.
I'm pretty sure he was being sarcastic here.
there is no /s at the end, so it's better to err on the side of not assuming things, it's 3 AC after all and Poe Law is in effect.
Sarcasm tags ruin sarcasm and should be avoided at all cost.
that is against the rules of speak plainly.
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