“Since Dan is writing his book, he’s asked for a release. It’s only fair. One of Gabe’s majors has taken all of his classes and requires an independent,” Kenneth said, staring at her coldly. It was as if he’d read her thoughts and shut down every possible argument she could lob at him. “As per our conversation last week, I naturally assumed you were more interested in the practical education of our English students. What better class than Technical Writing? You can now show them how to write a business email.”

Victoria underestimated just how petty Kenneth could be. She’d caught him unawares at their last meeting and he’d held on to his grudge for the whole weekend. But he wasn’t just punishing her, he was dragging Jennifer and Alison into the fray. She closed her eyes and took a breath. “Is there a reason why some of these classes aren’t going to the adjuncts?” she asked.

Kenneth gave a mirthless chuckle and glanced at his male colleagues. “But didn’t you just say they were overworked as is?” He shrugged. “It couldn’t hurt to have full-time faculty shoulder some of these responsibilities for the next semester. Who knows? Maybe that will be my Four-Week Initiative, cutting non-unionized contingency labor. That would save money, wouldn’t it?”

Victoria fell quiet. She had talked her way into that one. The politics of hiring part-time adjuncts was a messy problem that extended well beyond their university. No, most institutions shouldn’t lean heavily on part-time workers, especially if those same workers couldn’t have access to health care, or job security. But most institutions saved money using contingent labor. These instructors generally needed to teach about six classes per semester just to make ends meet. Paula was only teaching for a little side money, but Victoria knew many instructors who would be hurting if just one class was taken from them. If she didn’t stop talking, her mouth was going to get them all in trouble.

“I’m not teaching this many comp classes again, Kenneth,” Jennifer said with force. “You can give one of them to an adjunct who needs it because I’m done.”

Kenneth held up his hands in mock-defense. “No need to get hysterical, Jennifer...”

“I’m not hysterical,” Jennifer said, jabbing a finger at her schedule. “Since you’ve hired me, I’ve barely had a chance to teach in my area of study.”

“You’re teaching the classes assigned to you. Next fall, we’ll see about giving you YA.”

And with that, their leader was finished with the debate. The women folded their arms in protest, but that was about it. Time for discourse was officially over.

“Now, if we’re quite finished with that, let’s move on to the next order of business. The distribution of our incoming majors...”