Letters to the editor

Tilghman has support for social objectives, challenging status quo

In response to Tuesday's letter to the editor: "Tilghman should not use presidency as a forum to advocate social policy."

Dear President Tilghman (let's use some respect, boys): DON'T STOP!

You have the full support of a large majority of Princeton students. The editorial triumvirate Josh, John and John miss the boat on the diversity issue (surprisingly), favoring instead to swim in the tepid waters of the Status Quocean. Princeton could desperately use some green-haired activists, just like it needs the sign-waving, terminally misguided antiabortion activists running around campus this week. Many of us wish debates about social policy echoed off the Republican walls of the student center instead of "Dude, how was practice ... actice ... tice?" and "Dude, did you finish the ORF problem set ... problem set ... set?"

The University's motto is "In The Nation's Service and (oh yeah, uhh...) In The Service Of All Nations." It is not "8 Billion Untaxed Dollars In The Service Of Rich, White, Clean-cut Athletes Looking To Score Sweet I-banking Jobs And The Alumni Who Love Them." What the J triplets don't seem to realize is that by merely supporting the way Princeton has operated historically, President Tilghman would be making a strong statement on social policy — one that favors the nation's privileged at the expense of those from different backgrounds, cultures, and histories. In signing the amicus brief and in virtually everything else she has done as university president, President Tilghman has demonstrated an inspiring commitment to hauling Princeton out of the social backwaters and using her powerful position to influence the course of the mainstream. I salute her with a splash.

And President Tilghman, you'd look great with green hair.

Fight the fight, sister. John Kimble '03