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From the lowest levels of education to the top, the constant focus on prestige of institution is damaging to so many people in so many ways.
I've seen a candidate for a tenure-track position passed over for an interview because they went to a community college. This was the "tie-breaker" - they were on the same level with other candidates in other aspects.
The quote was something like "Well, if we have to make a decision, the candidate not going to [an Ivy] for undergrad is an objective difference between the candidates."
(Yes, the other two candidates went to the same Ivy for undergrad.)
(Yes, the other two candidates went to the same Ivy for undergrad.)
(I know I've told this story before so I apologize. It's one of the episodes from my first job that lives rent-free in my head.)
And you might be thinking "What terrible colleagues you had! Mine would never do this."
And I would reply if you look around your dept and don't see at least one "in science we make objective decisions in hiring" dude, I don't think you're being honest.
And I would reply if you look around your dept and don't see at least one "in science we make objective decisions in hiring" dude, I don't think you're being honest.
This was a small, liberal arts, "progressive" PUI with a reputation for being "ultra PC, socially radical" or whatever.
But the sciences were 100% white and very much elitist.
But the sciences were 100% white and very much elitist.
I would argue that the candidate who went to CC could be considered *better* for the job because of their path. But clearly someone's high school performance and financial situation (what gets you into college) is important for a faculty position. 
It will probably not surprise you that the candidate passed over was part of an underrepresented group in academia.
It turns out both candidates who were brought in for interviews declined offers and it was a failed search.
Next year the search was re-run. The passed-over candidate did not apply. I hope they got a good job somewhere else.
Next year the search was re-run. The passed-over candidate did not apply. I hope they got a good job somewhere else.
Anywho, families moving a few blocks to get into a slightly better-ranked elementary(!!) school is a wild thing that happens.
