Associate professor of religion and African American studies Eddie Glaude Jr. discussed the troubles with the U.S. educational system Tuesday night in front of students, faculty and community members in Dodds Auditorium.
Underpaid teachers, lack of funding for public schools and the corporate takeover of schools are some of the problems that contribute to the inadequate educational backgrounds of U.S. citizens, he said.
"We live in grave and dark times, Princeton students," Glaude said. "I am skeptical about our nation's current moral capacity. Many of our citizens don't care about those who are educated in squalor."
Glaude said he believes there are many problems with the current educational system.
For example, schools have become reflections of American economic disparity and education does not provide upward social mobility.
"[The American dream] has become a nightmare for our fellow citizens," he said.
Though he has never published academic work on education, Glaude said he was first inspired to become involved in this issue after reading philosopher John Dewey's book, "Democracy in Education."
During the discussion, Glaude referred to and explained Dewey's three educational themes — to cultivate democratic dispositions in children, to provide the freedom to realize one's full potential and to criticize the alliance between class privilege and education.
"These three points provide a wonderful framework to address our current problem," he said.
Glaude concluded his speech by asking the audience to call upon America's leaders to improve education.
"We must educate our children in the values of democracy so that this nation can be saved," he said.
Students felt that Glaude's intensity and passion during the speech helped convey his ideas.
Peter Varela '08 was impressed with Glaude's message.
"I think it was effective in the sense that he spoke with conviction," he said.
Jessica Lee '08 agreed. "I was blown away. I thought [the speech] was phenomenal," she said.
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