Over the last few weeks, the old problems of of maintaining undergraduate focus, fostering an academic environment and encouraging faculty involvement at America's top universities reemerged in Princeton as anti-intellectualism.
Anti-intellectualism has became the catchall phrase for the shortcomings of Princeton academics. Few members of the University community have not seen the debate evolve from U-Council letters to faculty columns in the 'Prince' to student discussions.
The debate crescendoed Monday night at a meeting of the Council of the Princeton University Community, where the CPUC denied a U-Council request to establish an ad hoc committee to examine anti-intellectualism. Many left thinking the University was trying to stifle a legitimate and important campus discussion by burying it in the agendas of existing committees.
But the CPUC decision is not necessarily a defeat for efforts to address anti-intellectualism. Creating a committee often does no more than add bureaucracy. And the issue of "anti-intellectualism" permeates many aspects of campus life. If the University commits this type of evaluation and charges current committees and resources with suggesting an appropriate solution, the same goal could be met in a more effective manner.
The U-Council should not be disheartened by the University's decision, but rather redouble their efforts to engage students and faculty in debate. Serious effort invested in existing resources will lead to valuable conclusions about the most important function of the University: Undergraduate education.
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Bill Hewitt“In joining a letter so firmly based on a questionable factual narrative, some 10 percent of Princeton faculty have rushed to condemn Vice President Calhoun for a “lie” and to demand her ouster.”
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Jonathan Mummolo"In short, fairness demands that all members of the Princeton community be subject to a common set of rules and procedures. We are all meant to be granted equal protection under these rules. Our established procedures for disciplinary matters do not call for a full faculty vote."
"In short, fairness demands that all members of the Princeton community be subject to a common set of rules and procedures. We are all meant to be granted equal protection under these rules. Our established procedures for disciplinary matters do not call for a full faculty vote."
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Guest Contributors"As policy students, we are appalled by the blatant hypocrisy of the University administration, which has relied on fear-mongering and false narratives to discredit student protestors. We are increasingly disillusioned with the dissonance of what we are taught in our classrooms and the University’s actions."
"As policy students, we are appalled by the blatant hypocrisy of the University administration, which has relied on fear-mongering and false narratives to discredit student protestors. We are increasingly disillusioned with the dissonance of what we are taught in our classrooms and the University’s actions."
