Summary:
Maria Helena Henriques has fought for 14 years for fair hiring practices at UC.
Her legal battles have resulted in significant victories, including a mandate to repeat a 2010 hiring process.
Henriques emphasizes the need for transparency in evaluation criteria for academic positions.
Despite wins, she faces ongoing challenges with multiple pending lawsuits against UC.
She aims to address undemocratic practices within academia and advocate for systemic change.
Maria Helena Henriques: A Champion for Transparency at UC
Maria Helena Henriques, a dedicated lecturer and paleontology specialist, has fought for 14 years in the courts for more transparent hiring and promotion processes at the University of Coimbra (UC). Her relentless pursuit for justice has already led to significant victories in the Supreme Administrative Court (STA), compelling UC to repeat a 2010 hiring process.
Photo by PAULO NOVAIS/LUSA
Background of the Legal Battle
Henriques' journey began in 2010 when she lost a competition for an associate professor position to a former student, despite being the most qualified candidate with the highest teaching hours and an extensive curriculum. She emphasized that her challenge was not about losing to a former student but about the lack of transparency in the hiring process.
The hiring announcement did not specify the weight of evaluation criteria such as scientific production and teaching activity. Additionally, a jury member raised concerns about the winner's qualifications, which were not addressed.
Key Legal Victories
Over the years, Henriques has initiated five lawsuits against UC, winning two significant cases in the STA regarding the lack of pre-defined evaluation criteria. The STA's recent ruling mandated UC to restart the hiring process, ensuring that the criteria are clearly established beforehand, marking a crucial shift from decades of arbitrary decision-making.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite her victories, Henriques continues her fight, having multiple cases pending in court, including one related to the 2018 ruling that required UC to repeat a hiring process. She highlights issues with the jury composition in the new process, indicating potential biases.
A Call for Change
Henriques believes that the university's practices reflect a broader issue of undemocratic procedures within academia. Her legal battles aim not only to rectify her own situation but also to foster a fairer and more transparent system for future candidates.
In her own words, "It’s a matter of principle. [...] People know the hiring processes are flawed, but few have the courage to advocate for change. Legal action is often the only path forward."
University Response
In response to her challenges, UC has stated that it is conducting the new hiring process in full compliance with the court's decision and has made necessary adjustments to the hiring guidelines.
Henriques reflects on the systemic issues that have persisted in academia, noting that many victims of past arbitrary practices remain unheard. Her journey continues, fueled by a commitment to justice and fairness in academia.
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