Nassau Hall did not influence the film
Regarding 'Geeks bearing gifts' (Friday, Sept. 15, 2006):
As one of Jenny Chiurco '03's senior thesis advisors, I would like to clarify that her film "Wasted" was most decidedly not made as "a piece of reeducation video" nor as "administration propaganda." It was made independent of any influence by the administration, and was a serious and sincere effort to observe and record the environment of the eating clubs and the attitudes of the students about those clubs. She was speaking from the inside of that world and describing things as she found them.
Whether or not the students who watch the film or write about it for the paper are in agreement is another matter, but it certainly cannot be claimed that Jenny was in any respect influenced by the administration. In fact, I think one could claim almost the opposite — she could easily expect the administration to be adverse to what she was doing since the film is so critical of the campus social scene or rather the campus drinking scene. Professor Su Friedrich Visual Arts Program
Princeton admission can stand on its own
Regarding 'Admission took the bait' (Monday, Sept. 19, 2006)
Marta Richards '73's commentary epitomizes a parochial attitude that Princeton has courageously repudiated with its termination of the Early Decision program. Richards' argument is that the program helped identify students whose main virtue was that they would not turn down Princeton for Harvard. Can Princeton not rely on its own considerable merits, as opposed to labyrinthine commitment devices, to attract students? The answer is, emphatically, that it can — and it should. For recognizing this, and for abandoning the posture of insecurity which Richards advocates, the University deserves much praise. Ben Golub Student Representative, CalTech Freshman Admissions
Princeton will be filled with a crop of bitter Harvard rejects
Regarding 'Admission took the bait' (Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2006):
I applaud Princeton's recent decision to end early admissions, but more is yet to be done. Princeton still maintains a system of institutional discrimination hampering nearly 90 percent of all applicants. Princeton's rigid "qualifications" consistently disadvantage the unqualified, the stupid and underprepared. It will only be when we break down the barriers between the talented and the talentless that we will have a truly equal society. Allowing our nation's best and brightest to benefit from a Princeton education simply, as President Tilghman so aptly put it, "advantages the advantaged" and needs to stop. Today's announcement is a great first step, and I look forward to returning to campus and celebrating its success with next year's crop of bitter Harvard rejects. Adam Kopald '05
Who decided to remove Early Decision?
Regarding 'Admission took the bait' (Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2006):
This decision by Princeton came so quickly after Harvard's that one can logically presume that the administration was simply waiting for a convenient opportunity to announce and implement it. What I cannot understand, however, is why such an important decision would be made by President Tighlman, Rapelye and Malkiel, and not by the Board of Trustees. The fact that the Board just discussed the issue at its September meeting implies a rush to judgment. The fact that the Board is said to strongly support the administration's decision is not a substitute for an actual vote, after due deliberation of all sides of the issue by the institution's governing body.
This may or may not be a wise decision for Princeton to have taken but the process — or what is disclosed of it — is not reassuring. George Chester '69
Make the first move next time, Princeton
Regarding 'An unfair process' (Monday, Sept. 18, 2006):
I agree with The Daily Princetonian, which made a wise, fair choice before the official announcement. Best policy now. And so Harvard got in a few days ahead; Yale got in a few months ahead on the admission of women in 1968. Next time, go first, Princeton, for the sake of the students. John Osander '57 Former Director of Admissions, 1965-71
Removal of Early Decision reduces Princeton's uniqueness
Regarding 'Early admissions dropped' (Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2006):
A large part of what makes Princeton "the best old place of all" is the community associated with it: we boast a stronger, closer, more fun community than any of our peer institutions, and Early Decision has much to do with maintaining that community.
Old Nassau doesn't need students who would have just as easily gone to Harvard or Columbia or Cal Tech; she needs students who are especially passionate about Princeton from day one. ED gives qualified students who have done their homework a chance to express that interest.
Ostensible claims of discrimination under ED don't add up given Princeton's extensive outreach and unparalleled financial aid (made possible by our community's strength). What we really have here is yet another step by the Tilghman administration to erase all that makes Princeton distinctive. I hope they were just kidding. Sandeep Murthy '06
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