Religious debate, above all, requires objectivity
Regarding 'Framing Religious Debates' (Tue., Dec. 9):
It looks as though Ms. Park fell victim to several of the debate techniques she opposes in the discussion of religious disagreements. However Ms. Park neglected to mention — and was guilty herself — of the most prominent pitfall of religious debaters: failing to maintain objectivity. By taking arguments as personal attacks, we lose sight of the intellectual intent of discourse. When Ms. Park proceeds to say, "you won't win people over to your side through condescension," she misses the point entirely. Religious discourse is not a win or lose situation. Both parties (or however many there are) should come to the discussion open-minded and willing to gain a greater understanding of the opposing views. Instead of pitting "ourselves" against "the Other" and becoming bogged down in irrelevant details, perhaps we should approach these issues with an appreciation of the larger picture — one that involves compassion and brotherhood. Lisa Kemp '06
Real work demanded to combat alcohol abuse
Regarding 'De facto alcohol rules must change' (Mon., Dec. 8):
It is clear that Princeton students have an alcohol abuse problem. But this is not a problem that is inherent only to our school. In addition, let us remember that the 'Street' is not the CAUSE of the problem; on the contrary, it is merely the byproduct of a societal problem that has never been fixed. If you want to go about solving the problem of alcohol abuse on campus, doing it with some honor code is certainly not the way about it. Emphasis should be placed on the fact that a lifestyle involving binge-drinking is not a healthy one, and honor as nothing to do with it.
In addition, it seems no one is particularly keen on making actual improvements to the situation. The Princeton Borough Police flex their muscles a couple times a year to maintain some semblance of authority. The University certainly has taken a hands-off policy when it comes to 'the Street.' Why would club officers want to initiate reform when all other parties seem disinterested? At this point, all that they can do is to try to maintain better control over the students who go out with the intention of getting drunk. The club officers may not always be successful, but it's better than nothing. And certainly not dishonorable. Jonathan Chou '04
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Seniors deserve better than Jay Shetty
Izabela Konopka and Joshua YangWe are writing to express our strong disapproval of the selection of Jay Shetty as the 2025 Class Day speaker. We deserve better than a self-help guru and repeated plagiarist who runs a “school” that an expert claims exhibits “similar patterns” to a multi-level marketing scheme.
We are writing to express our strong disapproval of the selection of Jay Shetty as the 2025 Class Day speaker. We deserve better than a self-help guru and repeated plagiarist who runs a “school” that an expert claims exhibits “similar patterns” to a multi-level marketing scheme.
The CPUC must not gut its Judicial Committee
Bill HewittEnding 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.
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
Jorge ReyesTo prevent pointless replacement and lockout charges, maximize convenience, and create better access to meals and facilities, Princeton should follow the precedent set by some of its peers and adopt a digital prox system.
To prevent pointless replacement and lockout charges, maximize convenience, and create better access to meals and facilities, Princeton should follow the precedent set by some of its peers and adopt a digital prox system.