So pessimistic is DePass that he doubts that the predicted mass retirement of academic baby boomers will happen or make much difference in the job outlook for minority scholars.
“We haven’t seen it,” he says. “Old-style, tenured academic tracks have actually become less accessible.”
Abraham is more optimistic. He believes the baby boomer retirements are already beginning. “We’ve got a window of opportunity here,” he says.
But asked if he worries the tenured baby boomers will be replaced with generation X adjuncts, Abraham replies: “Do I worry about that? Yes.”
In his assessment of the outlook, Minor comes down in the middle. “For individuals well trained at the doctoral level, the prospects are pretty good of landing a position at a reputable institution,” he says.
Minor cautions that young scholars of color, once hired, may encounter more obstacles moving up the academic ranks in the form of cultural and political challenges on campus.
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
