Tenure is an explicit and established policy of Purdue University. Its rationale resides in its effective safeguard of academic freedom, without which a university cannot fulfill its proper function. The maintenance of excellence in discovery, creative endeavors, learning and engagement activities requires an atmosphere of inquiry unfettered by external pressures. The essence of tenure at Purdue lies in the automatic renewal of employment contracts and must be a matter of University policy rather than a legal obligation. It is always subject to the availability of funds. Tenure policies are detailed at www.purdue.edu/provost/faculty/promotionandtenure.html.