The author feels it is incumbent on the principal to release unwanted incompetent teachers and outlines the tenure laws and dismissal criteria that serve both to protect teachers and guide administrators. (Editor/SJL)

Causes for the dismissal of teachers, which have traditionally been judged to be within the discretionary power of school boards, have been closely scrutinized in recent court decisions. The Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution has been interpreted in recent litigation concerning faculty hiring, evaluation, and…

Adequate cause for dismissal is defined and analyzed. Whether for immoral conduct, insubordination, or incompetency, an institution must be mindful of the countervailing protection of academic freedom. Dismissal must be firmly grounded upon demonstrable acts or omissions and assume reasonable procedures, incorporating peer review. Some court cases…

On April 12, 1978 the president of Lynchburg College informed Professor Landphair that her domestic situation made it impossible for the college administration to renew her appointment. A report from the AAUP's Committee A on Academic Freedom and Tenure is provided including procedural and substantive issues, and conclusions. (MLW)