Letters to the Editor: Dec. 13, 2010

Inaccuracies about the campus pub

Regarding “Members of social life task force agree on pub” (Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010):

Your article accurately reported that the working group on campus social and residential life has found widespread support for the idea of reopening a campus pub, but it inaccurately reported that the working group has come to an agreement on this question. In fact, we have deferred discussion of a pub until we receive a report from a separate committee, which includes representatives from the working group as well as other students and staff members, that is examining logistical and policy issues that need to be addressed before a recommendation can be made. We will make our recommendation when we issue our report in the spring.

Your article also inaccurately reported that the University had and then shuttered a pub in 2006. The University has not had a pub since the early 1980s, when the New Jersey drinking age was increased from 18 to 21. There was a plan in 2006 to test the concept of reopening a pub through a series of special events, but the plan was discontinued after the first event, largely because of questions raised by local officials. Obviously one of the issues before the working group is whether any questions that may be raised by outside authorities can be adequately addressed.

Bob Durkee ’69

University Vice President and Secretary  

Education reform is a complex issue

Regarding “Waiting... and waiting... and waiting for Superman” (Friday, Dec. 10, 2010):

We applaud Caroline Kitchener’s strong emphasis on putting student needs first, but it is time to move beyond the blame game in education. Although current teacher tenure laws can be a barrier to student learning, teachers’ unions can be part of the solution if they are willing to change with the times.

In Colorado, for example, the American Federation of Teachers helped pass the Great Teachers and Leaders Bill, which overhauled the statewide evaluation and tenure system to be based on performance, not seniority. And in Indianapolis; Washington, D.C.; and New Haven, Conn.; local teachers’ unions have been instrumental in changing laws and crafting school turnaround policy to benefit students. Meanwhile, a new generation of professional organizations of teachers is emerging, including Teach Plus and Educators For Excellence, which focus on supporting and retaining excellent urban teachers by amplifying their voices in the policy sphere.

There are a number of causes of the achievement gap, and unfortunately, solving our education crisis will not be as easy as Kitchener makes it sound. We need to work to improve all levels of the education system, from teacher training to school finance, in order to end educational inequity. Moreover, successful, sustainable reform will only come from a strong coalition of parents, educators and students calling for the policies that ensure a great teacher, rigorous curriculum and quality educational options for every child.  

Catharine Bellinger ’12

Executive Director, Students for Education Reform, Inc.

Alexis Morin ’12

President, Students for Education Reform, Princeton University Chapter