“ In today ’ s climate , it ’ s all too easy to allow your views and outlook to be shaped by dominant opinion on your campus or in the broader academic culture .”
the spiritual climate on campus c h r i s t i a n u n i o n : : t h e m a g a z i n e
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P R IN C E T O N | On Campus
Think for Yourself !
SCHOLARS EXHORT STUDENTS WITH LETTER By Catherine Elvy , Staff Writer
group of notable scholars
A from Harvard , Princeton , and Yale recently penned a letter urging college students to avoid the “ vice of conformity .”
The professors advised frosh to think for themselves , especially given trends toward campus and intellectual orthodoxy , in a document issued on August 29 via Princeton ’ s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions .
“ In today ’ s climate , it ’ s all too easy to allow your views and outlook to be shaped by dominant opinion on your campus or in the broader academic culture ,” the academics wrote .
“ The danger any student - or faculty member - faces today is falling into the vice of conformism , yielding to groupthink .”
Princeton Professor Robert
George , the director of the James Madison Program , reached out to a politically and religiously diverse group of colleagues at top-tier universities to promote expression and exploration among students across the country .
Both religious and secular practitioners may attempt to squelch meaningful exchanges about core components of world views , but recent trends in the intellectual realm suggest a widespread aversion toward traditional values ,
Professor Robert George is the director of Princeton ’ s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions .
George told Fox News .
“ All too often , we have secular fundamentalists today ,” said George , linking their concerns to debates over same-sex wedlock , abortion , and such . “ Because of their beliefs , they want
“ In today ’ s climate , it ’ s all too easy to allow your views and outlook to be shaped by dominant opinion on your campus or in the broader academic culture .”
to shut down debate and discussion by … calling their debating partners names .”
Such labeling , often forming the basis of a conversation-stopper , is “ just out of bounds .”
When it comes to extreme intolerance , young adults should not allow themselves “ to be intimated and bullied by those who do practice it ,” said George , Harvard Theology ’ 81 , Law ’ 81 . “ They are the real bigots . Don ’ t fall for it .”
With the launch of the academic year , George ’ s team of scholars combined forces in the open letter to encourage incoming undergraduates to be mindful of intellectual independence as they enter college life . “ We wanted to get the letter out before classes begin ,” George said . “ We especially wanted to reach new students .”
Likewise , the joint commentary appeared especially timely in view of high-profile altercations that have dotted the higher-education landscape in recent years regarding speakers on campus .
As such , the scholars want incoming freshmen to embrace the role of rich intellectual exchanges , even on politically controversial topics . As of late September , the number of academic signatories on the letter reached 28 .
Pausing for individual contemplation may prove challenging for some young adults , especially when surrounded by opinionated peers and intimidating professors . “ It always demands self-discipline and these days