Regarding 'An election, sort of' (April 2):
Your editorial is based on a misconception of the role of Young Alumni Trustees. Contrary to what you wrote, Young Alumni Trustees have exactly the same roles and responsibilities as other trustees; they do not represent a specific constituency. The four Young Alumni Trustees are a subset of the total of 13 alumni trustees who serve on the board, and the bylaws explicitly state that these trustees "have the same duties, rights, and powers" as the other trustees (charter, term and ex officio).
The difference between Young Alumni Trustees and other trustees is not their role on the board, but the process by which they are nominated and elected. Charter and term trustees are nominated and elected by the board itself. Other alumni trustees are nominated by an Alumni Council committee and all alumni are eligible to vote. Young Alumni Trustees are nominated by the senior class and the electorate consists of that class, the junior class and the two youngest alumni classes.
Young Alumni Trustee positions were created more than 30 years ago so the board could benefit from the participation of trustees who have recent experience as undergraduates. Young Alumni Trustees play an important role in helping to keep the board attuned to issues and concerns on campus.
But their fundamental obligation is one they share with all the other trustees: to serve as best they can the longterm best interests of the University, which, under the terms of the charter, has been entrusted to their care. Robert K. Durkee '69 Vice president and secretary of the University
In-your-face sexuality talk isn't homosexuals' fault
Regarding 'In the closet, out of the closet, who cares?' (Ashley Johnson, April 1):
What Johnson does or doesn't want to talk about is her business — not mine or anyone else's. But her call for an end to public discussion of sexual orientation is misplaced.
The discussion isn't there "to pacify the insecurities of individuals seeking the approval of others," as she claims. It's there because our society has a long history of disrespect toward homosexuals and others who today identify with the LGBT movement.
She is right that sexuality is a personal issue, and until self-righteous politicians, public figures and society as a whole recognize the intense, personal nature of sexuality and stop carping on the morality or immorality of other people's personal decision on the matter, the discussion will remain in everyone's face, whether they want it there or not.
Several decades ago, sexuality was not an acceptable topic around eating club tables and dining hall dinners because of society's austere disapproval of homosexuality. Perhaps soon it will again be a private subject, not because homosexuality will be taboo, but because it will be understood and accepted. Joe Zipkin '07
Unicorns and ponies, it's time to meet the real world
Regarding 'In the closet, out of the closet, who cares?' (April 1):
When oppressed groups demonstrate on campus, it's hard. We're reminded that they're different from us and that they're unhappy.
The unicorns and ponies that have been dancing through our sweet Christian heads are replaced by tough questions about society and humanity.
Johnson should learn how to deal with this, rather than getting upset and writing about it in an Ivy League newspaper.
Her immaturity and unworldliness embarrasses not only herself, but the greater Princeton community. Suzanne Sprague '04
LGBT isn't a noun, shouldn't be used as one
Regarding 'In the closet, out of the closet, who cares?' (April 1):
To ask for well-argumented opinion columns might be much, but is it so much to once again ask your writers to learn basic facts and grammar and stop using LGBT as a noun, particularly with a definite article, as in "The LGBT" did this and that? LGBT is a collection of adjectives!
There is no such person or organization on campus, and the abuse of terminology is a clear sign of ignorance. Aleksandar Donev '07
LGBT students' decision to shock is a pragmatic one
Regarding 'In the closet, out of the closet, who cares?' (Ashley Johnson, April 1):
Balancing the survival of a progressive movement with moral sensibilities on sexual expression is one of the great challenges in the LGBT community. It is very easy to assume things are in black and white but LGBT, as it reflects the desire of groups with similar interests to join forces in the struggle for equal rights, must also embrace a diversity of approaches to that struggle. Unsurprisingly the symbol used by many in the community is a multi-colored flag.
Whether it is the Kiss In or a provocative lecture title, controversy brings attention to the important subject of homosexuality, bisexuality and transgender identity. It opens the floor for this debate in the pages of this paper, over coffee at the eating clubs and at Whig Hall.
With the overwhelming outside pressure to silence LGBT issues, pressure that comes from even the highest elective office in this country, awareness of this concern can only be raised by bold action. Action is undertaken not in the pursuit of personal pleasure, but because through the expansion of thought there is new knowledge to be attained, and new rights to be won — rights won and used for the benefit and progress of all people. Wade A. Rakes II '02
Name-brand architects produced Butler debacle
Regarding 'University hires architect to redesign Butler as four-year college' (April 1):
Beware repeating the past.
Wilson College's original buildings were considered so banal that the architecture grad students picketed the opening ceremonies and convinced the university to hand Phase II (Butler) over to a "name-brand" architect, Hugh Stubbins. The goal, then as now, was to blend the old Gothic with the new.
Stubbins succeeded in the architectural press but failed with the students. The architect for the new Butler College dorms must not make the same mistake. Dave Thom '96
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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.
What is a Princeton degree really for?
Joel IbabaoSo 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.
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.