Regarding "University cuts capital plan by $300 million," (Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008)
While the University should treat all of its students equally, it seems to care a little less for upperclassmen in upperclassmen dorms.
When I asked Dean of the College Nancy Malkiel why the University had no plans to improve upperclassmen dorms, she replied that it simply wasn't a priority in light of the current economic climate.
Of course, projects must be prioritized in a recession, but the the University had no plans to improve upperclassmen dorms before the economic downturn. Housing Director Andrew Kane said that the only upperclass dorm possibly up for renovation through 2016 is Brown Hall, which not only reminds you of "The Shining" but is also a veritable fire hazard (one mean of egress for the entire building!).
The University binged on a new residential colleges and significant renovations to every other residential college, but I hope the administration realizes that a significant majority of upperclassmen live - and will continue to live - in upperclassmen housing.
Many of these dorms are medieval in look and in function. Roofs leak, heating doesn't work (or works too well) and some dorms are deprived of the most basic amenities, like livable space. They are also in desperate need of study spaces, computer clusters, lounges and kitchens, all of which are currently few and far between. If underclassmen need them, don't upperclassmen, too?
Improving dorms takes a long time and requires a long-term plan. Yale, for example, just spent 20 years renovating every dorm on campus. But if Princeton has no plans today and will not have any until after 2016 at the earliest, when will all upperclassmen get a chance to live in a dorm worthy of Princeton? How many more upperclassmen will be forced to live in an 86 sq. ft. room before we change a broken system?
Brian No '10, U-Councilor
You can't, and probably shouldn't, avoid a "Princeton education"
Regarding "Avoiding a Princeton education," (Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008)
While this column suggests that Princeton promotes pro-establishment thinkers, I believe the evidence points in the other direction. To begin, junior and senior independent work demands that students create or explore a new idea or provide a rebuttal to the status quo. Most other colleges do not demand a task like this, and those that do often don't demand the quality of independent work that Princeton does.
In my experience, the writer's critique of the Princeton faculty is also wrong. Each year, faculty members are awarded the highest honors for their research, as Princeton's outstanding Nobel Prize record indicates. Many of the most lauded faculty also conduct upper-level seminar courses that expose students to the most recent and cutting-edge work in their field and necessitate Socratic dialogue.
Finally, Princeton's culture isn't completely dominated by bicker clubs and those socially graceful enough to network their way in. By neglecting to mention the dozens of teams, organizations, clubs and social programs, the author also ignores a huge part of the Princeton community that allows students to follow their passions.
All of these things have contributed to my Princeton education. Perhaps the writer hasn't been at Princeton long enough to see it for what it truly is or seen how many paths are open to you during your four years here; regardless, you will graduate with a Princeton education. And, regardless of how you feel right now, eventually you'll come to be pretty happy about this.
Peter Schram '09
Kicking NOM out of Princeton is wrong
Regarding "NOM was the top donor to fund Proposition 8," (Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008)
I was appalled to see the suggestion that the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) should be driven out of the community. I was even more shocked to see that this suggestion was taken seriously. It's a simple matter of free speech; the people who work at NOM are just as entitled to their opinions as anyone else, regardless of who agrees or disagrees with them. The whole point of America is that you're free to have and express your own opinions without being kicked out of town.
It may seem that censoring "hateful" speech is appropriate, but this argument is problematic because it is false to categorically claim that the people at NOM and others who oppose gay marriage also hate gays. In fact, the majority of people who oppose gay marriage do not hate gays. Instead, they believe that some things are more important than one's right to get married. The matter boils down to a difference in priorities, and such differences are legitimate and worthy of discussion and understanding. Engaging in civil discourse is the best way to address the issue of gay marriage, while branding the opponents of gay marriage as the enemy and suggesting that they leave town is un-American and purely counterproductive.
Christina DiGasbarro '12
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.
