Not another code
The 'Prince' rightfully acknowledged ("Nurturing campus diversity," Oct. 6) that toleration and respect of others is essential to academia. The spirit of exclusion that continues to exist at Princeton is indeed hurtful and wrong, and often times leaves students feeling as if the University does not respect their right to thrive here.
Leaders of a movement for what some call a "Social Honor Code" are not pursuing anything remotely similar to the existing Honor Code. Instead, we are hoping the University will reinforce more publicly principles it already adheres to. Currently, all students are bound by the University's Principles of General Conduct. University policy states that "Respect for the rights, privileges, and sensibilities of each other is essential in preserving the spirit of community at Princeton. Actions which make the atmosphere intimidating, threatening, or hostile to individuals are therefore regarded as serious offenses." Considering the sometimes ugly history and reputation of this University, why should such statements remain buried in "Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities"?
Accusations that anyone is hoping to curtail free speech or expand University disciplinary regulation are unfounded. All students can be asked to acknowledge a value of mutual respect for people's rights without asking people to be polite to one another. Recognizing that the University will not tolerate offenses such as sexual violence, intimidation based on lifestyle choice, or racial harassment is not inhibiting anyone's right to show prejudice legally.
If not through a pledge, I challenge people of all viewpoints to envision how the University can further encourage respect for diversity and civility. After all, Princeton must communicate how serious these issues are to help advance a culture in which all students can excel, a culture that currently does not exist. Benefits of a new statement include increasing awareness of cases of harassment and abuse, empowering students to report abuse, and encouraging the University to more clearly define real cases of abuse. The most important benefit such a statement could bring to this University has already begun: creating meaningful dialogue. William Robinson '04
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The CPUC must not gut its Judicial Committee
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Ending the Judicial Committee’s jurisdiction over initial complaints would embolden abuses of power, allowing the administration to evade accountability for University rule violations without the pressure of student and faculty authority.
Princeton, let’s adopt a digital prox
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So what, in the end, is a Princeton degree really for? I take a more moderate view: Students should prioritize earning potential — unless they feel irresistibly called to something else.