Regarding "Coan '09: McCain can't handle economy," (Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008)
I find it a great irony that in the midst of a financial crisis caused largely by the irresposible tactics of investment banks - banks whose ranks are flush with Princetonians who no doubt were taught economics here at Princeton - Princeton students are flaunting their knowledge of economics. For, if we judge the quality of Princeton students' economic knowledge by the fruit it is now helping to bear on Wall Street, I am not sure it is very wise for them to be teaching John McCain how cultivate the same "success" in Washington.
Dan Gilday '10
Students aren't realistic about class status
Regarding "COMBO: Wealth divides undergraduate community," (Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008)
The disconnect between students' perceived class status and their actual estimated family income versus reality found in the COMBO survey is notable. The average median family income in America in 2007 was around $50,000. Students identifying as lower class have a realistic perception of income, stating their families make half of the average, $24,000.
According to the graph, though, students who identify as lower-middle class report a family income of $47,000, just below the average. If a student's family makes twice the average, $97,000, then the student thinks he is middle class. Finally, upper-middle-class perception comes with a yearly income of $265,500. Families making more than $250,000 are in the top 1.5 percent of American households, yet that's only "upper-middle class" at Princeton. Students who see themselves as "upper class" estimate their families' income at $707,000 a year.
Since many Princetonians hail from the New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. areas, that could explain the inflation of "middle-class" incomes - these areas have higher average household incomes. Furthermore, economists note that class perception is not a result of income relative to society, but relative to local incomes.
Perception aside, the middle, upper-middle and upper income groups represent the top 16 percent of American households. Is there anything the administration can realistically do, then, to make Princeton more equal?
I propose paying lower-income undergraduates a stipend of $25,000 a year, similar to the amount graduate students receive. This would save lower-income undergraduates from having to work on campus, perhaps the most palpable difference between lower- and upper-class students. It would also provide much more disposable income than a job can.
Absurd, right? So is the administration's goal. There is nothing Princeton can do to correct the income disparities of students' families. What it can do is provide its less privileged students with an elite education and social network for free and without having to take out loans, a step towards correcting the income gap.
Michael van Landingham '08
Shuttle needed now
A month ago, when I reassured parents of freshmen that there might be a new shuttle to take engineering students to the E-Quad, they were thrilled.
It was disheartening to learn that the promised and much anticipated new shuttle (which would circle the university and have a stop at the Dinky Station) has not been made available. This shuttle was proposed by the University as a result of a very popular student-initiated petition.
As cold weather descends and midterms approach, Forbesians walk up campus, watching the Free-B drive by completely empty - a stark illustration of an inefficient transportation system.
Waqas Jawaid '10
Read More
Why can’t lecturers win the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching?
Jerry ZhuLet’s acknowledge those who make “boutique teaching” possible, those who work tirelessly to make our rigorous curricula more accessible, and those who dedicate their time to advising and guiding us through all the challenges we face at this University. Lecturers should be eligible for the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Let’s acknowledge those who make “boutique teaching” possible, those who work tirelessly to make our rigorous curricula more accessible, and those who dedicate their time to advising and guiding us through all the challenges we face at this University. Lecturers should be eligible for the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Princeton’s administration of justice is Trumpian
Frances BroganThe disparity between the University’s approach to Giberson and its approach to pro-Palestinian protestors reflects a concerning trend of appeasing an increasingly emboldened right rather than resisting the threat it poses to academic freedom and the wellbeing of Princeton students.
Secular Opening Exercises? Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water
Frank StrasburgerThe secular makes no room for the spiritual. What Opening Exercises are meant to convey is the spirit of the institution so that it may be kept alive from generation to generation.
The secular makes no room for the spiritual. What Opening Exercises are meant to convey is the spirit of the institution so that it may be kept alive from generation to generation.
