Alabama professors react as Auburn takes more control over faculty, curriculum

The academic landscape in Alabama is shifting after Auburn University made significant moves to restructure faculty governance and consolidate control over its curriculum. With Auburn’s recent decision to dissolve its faculty senate, educators at other state institutions are left questioning whether similar overhauls could be on the horizon.

Auburn's Pivot Under State Spotlight

Last week, Auburn’s Board of Trustees moved to dissolve its faculty senate. The decision follows the signing of HB580 by Gov. Kay Ivey, which introduced strict limitations on the influence of faculty senate groups. While Auburn and the University of Alabama initially held exemptions from this legislation, Auburn opted to dissolve its faculty senate, transitioning toward a new presidential academic advisory council. Auburn provided a news release on the changes in response to media inquiries.

Concerns Over Academic Governance

University of Alabama professor Matthew Hudnall criticized the move, arguing that faculty governance serves as a vital safeguard against indoctrination. Hudnall noted that by moving to an advisory council model, faculty input becomes subordinate to the president and the board. He warned that concentrating curriculum control at the top, without independent checks, risks turning higher education into a tool for institutional messaging rather than a space to test and challenge ideas.

Sara McDaniel, an education professor at Alabama and president of the local AAUP chapter, expressed surprise at the developments. She suggested the Auburn board may have overcorrected in response to legislative pressure, particularly following the implementation of SB 129, which bans diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

The Outlook at Alabama

Despite the national attention surrounding the changes in Auburn, there is no indication that similar measures are coming to the University of Alabama. Both Hudnall and McDaniel report that the campus climate remains stable.

McDaniel highlighted a productive working relationship between the faculty and university administration, noting that Provost Lesley Reid maintains open lines of communication. She added that the faculty senate continues to work alongside the Board of Trustees to ensure institutional compliance with state law.

"Our faculty are experts in their fields, and I don’t believe anyone wants to remove that expertise and substitute it with reduced input and narrowed perspectives," Hudnall said.