OXFORD UNIVERSITY, ACADEMICS AND RETIREMENT

OLD, WHITE MEN VERSUS TALENTED YOUNG SCHOLARS

Oxford University

Ageing academics at Oxford University are fighting to keep their jobs at the ivory tower.  What the present rules stipulate is that they must retire at the age of 67.  They, on their own part, have a robust argument.  This is that forcing them out at that age leaves the university poorer in terms of excellence, competence and quality.  I personally agree with them on that point considering that academics, like wine, get better with age.

On the other side of the divide are younger colleagues who are trying to establish themselves in academia.

Heated debates between opposing sides of the dispute took place at the ancient Sheldonian Theatre where the university's governing body, the congregation, meets.

The dispute was described by participants as a battle between ''old, white men hanging limpet-like to space and resource and talented young scholars trying to get their first stable job.''