Absolutely nothing. “Nothing” seems to be the best word to describe this pseudo-academic. Thankfully, DePaul University recognized this full well when it denied his application for tenure. The University’s decision was subsequently confirmed by Finkelstein’s predictable, obnoxious behavior. But for those who know Finkelstein or who have followed his polemical career, this is nothing new. Finkelstein has been denied tenure twice before, and both times he asserted some kind of “political motive” or “outside pressure” influence. For those who know how a tenure process is carried out, both accusations are categorically unfounded and laughable––there, add that word to the definition of Finkelstein’s scholarship.

Indeed, his anti-climactic press conference, which closed the book to his DePaul career, was pitifully comical. His remarks were frequently interrupted by loud construction noises on the near-by DePaul campus. After reading a prepared statement to approximately 70 or 80 people, most of whom were non-DePaul students, on a campus of almost 20,000, he wanted to thank “a few” of his supporters. He ended up thanking a good majority of the crowd listening to his farewell speech. Thanking supporters implied some reception of an honor or an award, when in reality Finkelstein had just received his pink slip. Among those who he thanked was a tearful––yes, she was crying––Dr. Azza-Layton, a fellow colleague and professor of the Political Science department. Layton’s name was atop a leaked document from the confidential tenure process. Breaching confidentiality is a serious offense which should be vigorously investigated, hopefully resulting in Layton’s departure from the university as well.

One would hope this purging of pseudo-educators continues at DePaul. The campus needs to be shaken its very core. Just recall for a moment the series of events over the past few months: Finkelstein was denied tenure which sparked sit-ins and hunger strikes by a select few of DePaul students, during last year’s final examination period; Finkelstein stormed the offices of his colleagues who voted against him and would not leave until the authorities were called; students and professors demonstrated inside the St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church during this years convocation celebration––and look what all this got them. Nothing. After threats of “civil disobedience,” Finkelstein bows out quietly and cowardly.

Now that Finkelstein is gone, we are left with a few questions: does this look like a university to you? Should a university be intimidated by a few students who are worshiping a false idol of the Left? Is it within the professional capacity of a faculty to rediscover the residue of their authority? Can the university be a marketplace of ideas again? In the meantime, students must perform “self education” and develop backbones of steel. Those concerned with knowledge must be able to distinguish between ideas and mere polemics. Professors—we want to study Karl Marx but give us John Locke as well. Tell us about Nietzsche but allow Augustine to have a word.

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Nicholas Hahn III is president of the DePaul Conservative Alliance and a student of political science and Catholic studies at DePaul University. He is a “Phillips Foundation-Ronald Reagan College Leaders Scholar and has been named to as one of the nation’s top ten young conservative activists by the Young America’s Foundation. He is a member of the editorial board of The Chicago Daily Observer.