Story perspectives

Dutch Professor Claims Racial Time Theft; Critics Call Study Anecdotal

6/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dutch professor Zakia Essanhaji published “Academic time theft” at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, claiming universities racially manipulate academic time.
The study outlines three mechanisms: contract uncertainty, racism-driven work disruption, and repeated promotion-standard changes.
Critics argue the research relies on anecdotal narratives and lacks opposing viewpoints, forming a self-reinforcing scholarly circle.
Commentators say elective courses on these theories should stay optional and be cut if the courses waste university funds.

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Story summary

Dutch professor Zakia Essanhaji published “Academic time theft” at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, claiming universities racially manipulate academic time.
The study outlines three mechanisms: contract uncertainty, racism-driven work disruption, and repeated promotion-standard changes.
Critics argue the research relies on anecdotal narratives and lacks opposing viewpoints, forming a self-reinforcing scholarly circle.
Commentators say elective courses on these theories should stay optional and be cut if the courses waste university funds.