Translation into plain English: "Those who decided may decide."

Translation into plain English: "They were a great group of scholars, but in the end it doesn't much matter."

So your conclusion is that, in academia, those in positions of authority can do whatever they want, and the accomplishments and qualifications of those under their power are utterly irrelevant to the decision-making process?

You should write more about this. I’m sure any junior scholar who has ever had to deal with an academic hiring committee would love to hear more about your discovery.

Warmest regards,

Paul Hackett

On Mar 23, 2024, at 9:02 AM, Matthew Kapstein via INDOLOGY <indology@list.indology.info> wrote:

"These changes were consistent with the governance requirements that such boards be periodically reconstituted and closely aligned with the original mission of the series and are within the purview of those who made the decision."

Translation into plain English: "Those who decided may decide."

"The end result notwithstanding, I agree that the members of the editorial board are all remarkable scholars who have made outstanding contributions to this series."

Translation into plain English: "They were a great group of scholars, but in the end it doesn't much matter."

Or is there a nuance I'm missing....?

Matthew T. Kapstein
Professor emeritus
Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, PSL Research University, Paris

Associate
The University of Chicago Divinity School

On Friday, March 22nd, 2024 at 8:02 PM, Robert P. GOLDMAN via INDOLOGY <indology@list.indology.info> wrote:

Fyi, y’all.

Not clear what they regard as the “original mission."

Bob G.

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Newell, Peggy" <peggy_newell@harvard.edu>
Subject: RE: The Murty Publication Series
Date: March 22, 2024 at 11:58:33 AM PDT
To: "Robert P. GOLDMAN" <rpg@berkeley.edu>
Cc: Harvard Provost <provost@harvard.edu>

Dear Dr. Goldman,

Interim President Garber asked me to respond to you on his behalf. Please forgive the delay.

In consultation with the Provost's Office at Harvard, the Harvard University Press Board of Directors, and Harvard University Press, the Murty Classical Library of India Oversight Board decided to make changes to the MCLI Editorial Board at the end of 2023. These changes were consistent with the governance requirements that such boards be periodically reconstituted and closely aligned with the original mission of the series and are within the purview of those who made the decision.

I appreciate your concern. The end result notwithstanding, I agree that the members of the editorial board are all remarkable scholars who have made outstanding contributions to this series. We are fully committed to continuing the excellent work that they have done.

Best,
Peggy Newell

From: Robert P. GOLDMAN <rpg@berkeley.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2024 3:13 PM
To: Harvard Provost <provost@harvard.edu>
Subject: The Murty Publication Series

Dear Provost Garber,

I imagine that you have been hearing a lot about this topic, but I would appreciate it if you would read the attached letter.

Sincerely,

Dr. R.P. Goldman
William and Catherine Magistretti Professor of Sanskrit and South Asian Studies Emeritus
and
Joint Editor of South Asia Across the Disciplines

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