…the two research universities, the University of Oklahoma at Norman and Oklahoma State University. There, faculty will be subject to post-tenure review, which even twenty years ago was already extremely common. Post-tenure review can be abused, of course, but it is not, in principle, inconsistent with tenure, which does not mean “life-time appointment,” as is often (wrongly) said, but rather that a faculty member can only be terminated “for cause,” i.e., for failure to perform their professional duties at an adequate level. Of course, if post-tenure review policies drop the “for cause” standard and eliminate the procedural hurdles, then the threat becomes much more serious.

All future hires at all the other Oklahoma colleges and universities will be on contracts renewable, without eligibility for tenure. (Apparently a lawyer explained to the Governor that he can’t revoke tenure unilaterally for those who presently have it–they will also be subject to post-tenure review.) The executive order says that renewal of contracts will be “tied to teaching effectiveness, student completion, job placement, and economic alignment.” This basically signals the end of academic freedom for faculty at these schools: as soon as any one of them irritates a prominent (or loud) member of the public, they’ll likely find their contract is not renewed.

Readers are welcome to post additional information in the comments.