Dear President Conboy, We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to express our concern and disappointment regarding the recent decision to deny tenure to assistant professor of economics Dr. Ari Farshbaf at Saint Mary’s College. The below 169 signatories, composed of students and alumnae, stand in solidarity with Dr. Farshbaf. Our College’s philosophy of purpose states that Saint Mary’s is dedicated to promoting “a life of intellectual vigor” through “excellence in teaching.” Dr. Farshbaf embodies this mission through his contributions to the department and his care for the academic growth of his students. As his students, we have witnessed his commitment to the College’s mission of igniting ”lifelong intellectual interests” and curiosity in students. Dr. Farshbaf’s teaching style, driven by his passion for economics, makes complex concepts understandable and captivates and compels students to learn more. He guides them to not just master the material but also comprehend its significance. As a result, his students end each semester with an increased appreciation for the discipline, motivating them to explore it further. Our College’s mission statement underscores the importance of faculty both challenging and supporting students in their intellectual journey. Dr. Farshbaf consistently demonstrates these qualities, going above and beyond to ensure that students receive a robust education in economics. Dr. Farshbaf’s dedication to student success extends beyond the classroom and the discipline, as evidenced by his availability and willingness to provide support outside of regular office hours, his attendance and funding of student-led events, his genuine interest in students’ wellbeing and his mentorship. In September, Belles in Economics brought back four alumnae to campus for their catered Healthcare in Economics panel event. The panel was a success, with over 60 students, alumnae and faculty in attendance. However, it would not have been possible without the tremendous support from Dr. Farshbaf. This is just one of many testimonials to Dr. Farshbaf’s dedication to providing students the resources and guidance needed to excel in their studies and endeavors. This commitment to student success and the holistic growth of his students aligns with the College’s mission to “cultivate a community that responds to the needs of women.” Dr. Farshbaf personifies the mission and values Saint Mary’s College promises its students. The recent decision to deny Dr. Farshbaf tenure raises questions about the alignment of these actions with the mission and values of the College. While we understand the importance of research, we assert that the primary consideration at a liberal arts institution like Saint Mary’s College should be on teaching, service and the overall impact on students. Saint Mary’s College is not a research institution. What attracts students to it are the values and care promised in the College’s mission, exemplified by Dr. Farshbaf. In light of this recent decision, we feel compelled to express how this action contradicts the principles of justice and equality that Saint Mary’s College stands for. The College’s core values emphasize that “the diversity of the individuals that comprise a learning community” is paramount and that it “invites [the College] to make an active commitment to diversity.” Additionally, in the June 2020 letter titled “An Open Letter to our Community in Response to a Petition for Anti-Racist Infrastructural Changes in Light of George Floyd’s Death,” the Board of Trustees, including yourself, pledged to “prioritize the diversity of faculty and staff in future hiring decisions.” Despite this professed commitment to diversity, the low tenure rates for minorities at Saint Mary’s College cast doubt on the sincerity of the College’s commitment to its values. The decision to deny tenure to Dr. Farshbaf raises concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of the tenure process, especially considering the past and present tenure patterns of faculty. It is crucial that the institution upholds its promise of diversity and justice in all aspects of its operations. Further, students have observed the College’s decisions regarding the economics major and consequently Dr. Farshbaf’s tenure. The lack of appreciation and support for the discipline contradicts the mission statement which accentuates the College’s dedication to providing a strong liberal arts foundation for all its students. Economics, as the quintessential liberal arts degree, draws concepts and information from various fields and synthesizes them into one discipline that seeks solutions for the world’s most pressing problems. Despite the limited support from the College, Dr. Farshbaf has, over the past seven years, bridged the gap through his dedication to students, allowing them to receive the education they came to Saint Mary’s College for, in spite of the College’s actions. The act of denying Dr. Farshbaf’s tenure, and depriving students of an extremely qualified and dedicated professor who has had an extraordinary impact on student growth, is yet another instance that reflects the College’s lack of priority for the major and its students. This lack of support for the discipline undermines the College’s commitment to offering a comprehensive liberal arts education and does not align with its mission. If the administration continues to make decisions against the College’s values and mission, and persists in deprioritizing academic departments, students may consider leaving for other institutions, such as Notre Dame, where their majors are prioritized. Moreover, the lack of endorsement for valued faculty members like Dr. Farshbaf will undoubtedly lead to a diminished sense of support for the College among students and alumnae and will impact their likelihood to donate. Students choose liberal arts colleges like Saint Mary’s because of the opportunity to have dedicated professors like Dr. Farshbaf, who not only excel in teaching but also actively contribute to the personal and social growth of their students. The potential departure of Dr. Farshbaf, mixed with the disregard for the values outlined in the mission statement, leaves many of us questioning the institution’s commitment to its students and their education.Dr. Arian Farshbaf’s service to the College and the Economics department and his influence on students are immeasurable. We respectfully urge you to reconsider the decision regarding Dr. Farshbaf’s tenure, acknowledging his contributions to the academic community at Saint Mary’s College. His commitment to the mission and values of the College, along with his exceptional teaching abilities, makes him an invaluable asset to our academic community. The tenure decisions made by the College should reflect the principles of academic excellence, diversity, inclusion and justice outlined in the mission statement. Thank you for your time and consideration; we trust that your discernment will lead to a fair resolution that aligns with the values and mission that brought us to Saint Mary’s College.
Isabella Fischer
class of 2025
and 168 other Saint Mary’s College macroeconomics students
Nov. 27
