Casey B. Mulligan ’91, a professor in the University of Chicago’s economics department, said that he found Hoxby’s work convincing, but added that he was taken aback by what he called “irrelevant rhetoric” in her response.
“Some people didn’t make it to the data because they found the rhetoric so offensive,” he said. “I’m hoping for her sake that she cuts that out of the [AER] version and sticks with the facts. It seems like passing notes in gym class.”
Hoxby has defended her strong language, arguing that her anger is a reasonable response considering the nature of Rothstein’s accusations. She has alleged that Rothstein is “out of line” and “in a lot of trouble at this point.”
“That’s unprofessional in economics and we don’t engage in that type of behavior,” she said.
NEXT STEPS
The dispute will most likely be resuscitated sometime over the next year, after the publication of both papers in AER. Its long-term effects on education policy—and the likelihood of any vicissitudes in either professor’s professional standing—are hard to predict, economists say.
Hoxby said she is “not worried” about any possible repercussions and said the dispute involves “a very specific paper and very specific claims.”
Rothstein said he looks forward to the imminent publication of both papers in AER and believes that the journal’s policies will permit a more productive exchange. Unlike NBER working papers, submissions to AER are reviewed and edited by a number of economists prior to publication.
“I am confident that the AER editorial process will ensure that the tone of the exchange remains professional and scientific, and that untrue claims are not printed,” Rothstein wrote in an e-mail.
Madrian said she believes the fierce back-and-forth between Hoxby and Rothstein will have no tangible impact on Hoxby’s professional standing in the end.
“Caroline already had a bit of a reputation as a tough cookie,” she said. “I don’t think this particularly changes her personal reputation. It might make more people familiar with the wrath of Caroline Hoxby.”
—Staff writer Javier C. Hernandez can be reached at jhernand@fas.harvard.edu.