Letters to the Editor: April 7, 2009

Modern intellectual elite should keep French and Russian revolutions in mind

Regarding “Princeton College of Medicine may face legal action from U.” (Wednesday, April 1, 2009):

In regard to Chetan Narain ’11’s article about possible legal action by Princeton University against me (in which I was frequently misquoted), I can only say that Ms. Robinson-Brown should ask Princeton’s legal department about the result of the 2007 legal case, Wade vs. Princeton, in which the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found that Princeton had violated the US civil rights law, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, by failing to hire me on the basis of age. Ordinary Americans do tire of the pompous attitudes of “elite” universities that shirk their moral responsibilities to society and think they can do whatever they want just because they have billion-dollar endowments, an army of lawyers and lots of political connections. Such attitudes are directly responsible for the current economic problems that have destroyed so many Americans and their families. The proud “elite” should remember the lessons of the French and Russian revolutions. They cannot get their way forever.

David Wade GS ’82

Founder, Princeton College of Medicine

Collaboration between U. and Fire Dept. is part of a rich tradition

Regarding “University staff to suit up as Borough firefighters” (Thursday, April 2, 2009):

I would like to add some context to your article on University staff volunteering with the Princeton Fire Department. University staff, faculty and students have always been and continue to be important members of the Princeton Fire Department through their own initiative, whether they are participating in the pilot program through Facilities or not. The difference is that Facilities management is now generously helping these new volunteers respond to emergencies during work hours, while minimizing any disruption to the vital work they do for the University. This is part of a rich tradition of cooperation going back to the University’s purchase of the Fire Department’s first equipment (a set of leather buckets) around 1788. It has continued through the service of many faculty and staff, including former University president Woodrow Wilson, Class of 1879, and the involvement of graduate and undergraduate students today.