Update: Brookings Responds Re Ravitch, Romney

Word from Christine Jacobs, communications officer with Governance Studies at Brookings, is that Ravitch's removal had nothing to do with her views on Romney or anything else, and that Brookings is fine with Whitehurst working on the Romney campaign as an advisor:

"On an annual basis, Brookings reviews the appointments of its nonresident senior fellows.  Last April, Diane Ravitch’s appointment was among three that were reviewed by the Governance Studies program and ended because, in each case, the fellows had little contact with the program and were not involved in programmatic activities. Their scholarly views had no bearing in the decision.

"As you know, Brookings is a nonpartisan institution that welcomes the free exchange of ideas.  Many Brookings experts in their personal capacities often serve as policy advisors to candidates and officials of both parties, in and out of government.   Russ Whitehurst’s role as an advisor to the Romney campaign is in keeping with long-established policies at Brookings."

Previous posts: Brookings "Fires" Ravitch For Being "Inactive"

Comments

[Jose]

Before the rest of the comments fly through on this point, let me say that I think Diane's main contention was that it's unfair to consider her nonactive when she was never invited to anything. She had to wonder why when she kept trying to get them active on something she was trying to do. Of course, the inferences are in there, but that's a good thing: Whitehurst's role as adviser should be looked at carefully.

[Sarah]

I think the email Russo posted yesterday, assuming it’s candid, really says it all. It read like a rather impersonal “we’re firing you, sorry” to me. Regardless of how active she was, I don’t think they went about it the right way.