March 2003 PRINCETON TORY

THE INTERNET AND:

SELF-SEGREGATION POLITICAL CORRECTNESS RACIAL PREFERENCES $9.9 MILLION OF UNIVERSITY FUNDS HE RINCETON Notes from the Publisher T P Ditching the Robe TORY Last autumn, intrigued by flyers asking “Do You Have What it Takes to Wear the Robe?”, I auditioned for the University Chapel Choir March 2003 and donned the Orange and the Black. Last Sunday, I heavyheartedly Volume XX - Number 2 resigned my membership and office in the Choir. Publisher Editor-in-Chief In between those dates, I experienced what I would describe in John Andrews ’05 Evan Baehr ’05 my resignation letter as “a sick, twisted, and needlessly politicized pseudo- Managing Editors religious environment.” The Robe is besmirched by repeated sacrifice of Brad Heller ’05 Duncan Sahner ’06 principle in shameless promotion of a radical and antireligious political agenda and unquestioning support of a liberal administration. Torn be- Web Manager Financial Manager tween the deep beauty of the music and the banal sham of the message, I Eric Czervionke ’05 Ira Leeds ’06 finally decided that my voice, in song or in speech, shall not support this Graphics Editor Content Editor perversion. Deb Brundage ’03 Brian Beck ’05 As our elders betray the University for the radical and irrational cause, believers can only watch in horror. The Sunday of my resignation Pete Hegseth ’03, Publisher Emeritus was especially disheartening, featuring SHARE director Thema Bryant- Brad Simmons ’03, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Davis, who took to the pulpit to praise affirmative action and condemn Staff Writers capitalism as the oppressor of blacks. (There were some biblical refer- ences too, but they had more to do with Abraham being a “rapist” and Jennifer Carter ’03 C.R. Mrosovsky ’04 Jesus being a “Nubian.”) This was hardly the first time politics took Ryan Feeney ’03 Arvin Bahl ’05 precedence in the Chapel; as documented in the Tory, Breidenthal has Nat Hoopes ’03 Julie Toran ’05 elevated the polemic to sacred art. Daniel Mark ’03 Powell Fraser ’06 There comes a point in every Princetonian’s life when he is con- Nathaniel Norman ’03 Stephen Lambe ’06 fronted by the Orwellian darkness that is the Tilghman agenda. This vast Matt O’Brien ’03 Jurgen Reinhoudt ’06 malevolence, armed with ignorance and robed in apathy, attempts to ex- John Ference ’04 Paul Thompson ’06 tinguish the light of reason through the most subversive means. This Betsy Kennedy ’04 Paul White ’06 month, I came face to soulless visage with this darkness. Board of Trustees Though there was a time when the Robe was a symbol of rever- ence, it now represents the cowardly conformity of an intellectually de- Peter Heinecke ’87 Anna Bray Duff ’92 praved and politically monolithic administration. Now, the Orange and David Daniels ’89 Brian Tvenstrup ’95 the Black are but stains upon the fabric of our intellectual and moral exist- Mark Banovich ’92 Wickham Schmidt ’99 ence. At a recent Aquinas Fellowship lecture, theologian George Weigel Timothy Webster ’99 spoke of “The Courage to be Catholic.” In the same spirit, I suggest that is a journal of conservative there is also the courage to be conservative: to defiantly stand against the and moderate political thought written, edited and produced by students and deliv- radical and adversarial culture of academia. Tilghman, Breidenthal, Bryant- ered free of charge to all Princeton students and fac- Davis, and pals have sown the seeds of their own destruction by bringing ulty. The Princeton Tory is a publication of The our nation’s brightest here where they may observe the most egregious Princeton Tory, Inc. Opinions expressed herein are excesses of liberalism. those of the authors and not necessarily those of the editors, trustees, Princeton University, or the Do conservatives have what it takes to Princeton Tory, Inc. wear the Robe? Yes, and then some. We have The Princeton Tory accepts letters to the editor. the perspicacity to realize what the Robe has be- Direct correspondence to: P.O. Box 1499, Princeton, come, and we have the courage to discard it. NJ 08542; or by e-mail: [email protected]. Adver- tisement rates for The Princeton Tory are: $75 for a I hope that in these pages, you will find quarter page, $110 for a half page, $200 for a full reasons both to celebrate the University’s heri- page, and $300 for the back cover. Donations to The tage and to labor for the much-needed reform of Princeton Tory are fully tax-deductible. Please mail her once-noble institutions. donations to: P.O. Box 1499, Princeton, NJ 08542. The Princeton Tory is a member of the Colle- giate Network. The Princeton Tory gives special thanks John O. Andrews ’05 to the Intercollegiate Studies Institute and Princeton [email protected] Alumni Viewpoints. The Princeton Tory, Inc. is a non-profit corpo- ration registered in New Jersey. No part of this publi- HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT THE TORY? cation should be construed to promote any pending legislation or to support any candidate for office. No Send Letters to the Editor to: part of this publication may be reproduced without express written consent of the Publisher. [email protected] Copyright © 2003, The Princeton Tory, Inc. Letters need not be in reponse to articles; the Editors welcome letters on all subjects.

2 · THE PRINCETON TORY MARCH 2003 THE PRINCETON TORY March 2003 www.princetontory.com LETTERS 4 Students respond to Tory: Ø Unholy Alliance Ø Manufacturing Men 6 Open Letter to Undergraduate Student Government 7 Tory Gains Control of $9.9 Million of University Funds

THE RANT

8 The Tory comments on: Courtesy Niraj Bhatt Ø Senator Frist and HIV/AIDS Policy Ø Tory Officially Declared “Diverse” by Administration Ø Chocolate Genitalia Ø The demise of ... Again and more... COVER STORY NATIONAL Ganked! 13 $26 Trillion Overboard How administrative racial preferences ... And spending like drunken sailors. promote segregation and negate diversity. Jurgen Reinhoudt ’06 John Andrews ’05 PAGE 10 STATE 15 Separate, Unequal, and Proud The New Jersey Education Association. Daniel Mark ’03

INTERNATIONAL 17 Terrorists at the Chalkboard Islamic Jihad in American Academia. Duncan Sahner ’06

19 The Religion of Peace Confronting wishful thinking about Islam. Ira Leeds and Powell Fraser ’06

LAST WORD 22 Killing Feminism, Again Revisiting OWL on the occasion of the “Pleasure Workshop.” Jennifer Carter ’03 23 Tory Group Photograph with Daniel Flynn (also to right) Back Cover - Why Not to Give to Annual Giving.

MARCH 2003 THE PRINCETON TORY · 3 LETTERS TO THE EDITORS Jewish identity, then it should not actively support, through spe- UNHOLY ALLIANCE cial invitations or any other measures, ideologies or practices that run contrary to its most holy texts. If it does so, it runs the risk of Dear Tory, confusing the people who think they are part of an organization “Join us for a Shabbat celebration for LGBT students in that upholds certain fundamental principles. The Center for Jew- the NJ/PA area,” read part of an email from the Center for Jewish ish Life, as well as other religious organizations on campus, in Life one February morning. This invitation for, let’s for the pur- their pursuit of progressivism, should simply keep in mind that poses of clarity say, “homosexual Jews” to join the CJL for a toleration of deviant ideology does not have to succumb to affir- dinner celebrating the Jewish day of rest is in my opinion a policy mation of that ideology. that threatens to undermine the foundations of religious under- Best, standing on this campus. Steven Kamara ‘04 Before cursorily skipping this let- ter because you despise homophobic rhetoric, please understand that neither MANUFACTURING MEN homophobia nor even a condescending sentiment towards homosexuality is To the Editors: grounds for my letter. Instead, I believe I am writing in response to Brad that there is a contradiction in the term Heller’s article on cloning in the last edi- “LGBT Shabbat” that has the power to tion of the Tory. It unfortunately fails to turn the ideology of Judaism upside-down forward a coherent argument and merely and thus confuse many of its believers perpetuates an ignorant social ethic. In and even casual observers. his first three paragraphs, he claims that Firstly, this is an event that is “science now has the God-like ability to catered towards homosexual Jews and, create life.” The unease we feel now that therefore, by its very nature, it is a selec- “a single man is powerful enough to ini- tive celebration. Judaism, though, does tiate life from nothingness” results because not profess to cater to any particular Jew- only God “is able to withstand such re- ish sect, but instead, seeks to be open to sponsibility.” This is as far as his “argu- all Jews equally. In fact, the usual CJL ment” goes. Shabbat services and dinners have always Mr. Heller next asserts that “there is been open to all people, of every Jewish no situation in which cloning a human is denomination, and even non-Jews alike. Accordingly, this spe- correct. There is no moral context in which this process is ethi- cial invitation, singling out homosexual Jews, was not only un- cal.” I take it that he means to reject cloning a priori—the poten- necessary, but also contrary to a basic tenet of openness found tial beneficial consequences of human cloning cannot justify its within Judaism. use because it is wrong in principle. But in an odd show of self- But even more troubling about the special invitation, contradiction, Mr. Heller proceeds to explain why human cloning which makes it more dubious than lets say an “’04 Shabbat” event is wrong because of its consequences. He writes that “The clon- or a hypothetical “Crew Team Shabbat” event is the fact that it ing of humans is not much different [than eugenics] because it seeks to affirm a practice that traditional Judaism shuns. I’m sure could, for instance, use DNA from a corpse to resurrect great that everybody is already familiar with the quotes from the Old minds from the past…” But if “situations” are what makes clon- Testament that condemns homosexuality, so I won’t repeat them ing wrong, and not an a priori principle, then why is it not logi- here. And although there are hair-splitting interpretations of those cally possible to imagine a situation that makes it right? quotes, which seek to justify the homosexual lifestyle as opposed What is more, the list of consequences he mentions are to the act, I think that as a whole the sober investigation of Juda- fanciful and totally divorced from the legitimate biomedical re- ism will lead to the basic conclusion that homosexuality is to be search at stake. He suggests that cloning can bring “back de- discouraged rather than encouraged. If the CJL can’t acknowl- ceased individuals to life,” but this absurdity can be true only if edge that basic fact then it should maybe apply for a new name he means to argue that personal identity is defined solely by like the Center for New-Agey Jewish Life. genetic composition, that one identical twin is the same person as Now if homosexuality is traditionally discouraged by the other. Furthermore, because it is so expensive and offers no the Jewish religion, then it seems self-evident that it should not novel solutions for reproductive problems, cloning will never be a affirm it through a special invitation such as the one for LBGT means of human reproduction, in part also because of the social Shabbat. This is far from saying that the Center should discrimi- barriers Mr. Heller references. nate against homosexuals and not allow them to attend their ser- Mr. Heller suggests that if we allow cloning, people will vices and celebrations. In fact, I agree with the Rabbinical clone themselves “and then force the clone to give up its or- Assembly’s (a Conservative association of rabbis) public state- gans,” or that a clone will be “the property of its parent, like a ment that, “As are all Jews, gay men and lesbians are welcome as slave, and must capitulate to the will of his master.”... Does Mr. members in our congregations.” Heller mean to suggest that a future society that condones clon- If the Center seeks to maintain any vestige of traditional ing would claim that I, as an identical twin, have no liberty? ...

4 · THE PRINCETON TORY MARCH 2003 LETTERS TO THE EDITORS The bottom line is that Mr. Heller asserts that cloning is cally preventing it, and human cloning falls into the latter cat- wrong a priori as a function of his religious convictions, but he egory”. You mention screening for cystic fibrosis, which is usu- then ignorantly and contradictorily outlines why the consequences ally done by a diagnostic test called amniocentesis that deter- of cloning make it wrong. Worse yet, he provides absurd sce- mines whether or not the unborn child is afflicted while still in narios that can only be an irresponsible attempt to evoke a vis- the womb. I would be against aborting the birth should the ceral reaction against cloning. By perpetuating a misinformed mother learn that her baby is sick in any way – never does any social ethic, Mr. Keller succeeds only in drawing the debate away person have the right to kill a child for any reason. But amnio- from the real merits of cloning and the actual ethical issues that centesis, the process in which amniotic fluid is tested in high- surround them. risk pregnancies, is a diagnostic procedure just like an x-ray, only more invasive. I do not find amniocenteses unethical be- Michael Kimberly ’03 cause they do not interfere with the development of the child. It is much the same case with your reference to vaccina- Dear Editors, tion. This is yet another process not involved with conception In his article, “Manufacturing Men: Examining the Amo- or birth and simply helps the child to fight off disease. I am pro- rality of Human Cloning,” Bradley Heller denounces human clon- life – this means I want children to live, not die, therefore I most ing on the basis of his assertion that “[cloning] is still wrong definitely support any and all treatments to vaccinate. because it gives man control of a natural process best left alone.” However, with in vitro fertilization, human embryos who Man has been manipulating natural processes for millennia. He (not that) do not match the desired genotype, such as those who has already left an indelible mark on the course of evolutionary carry the genetic mutation for cystic fibrosis, are destroyed. Pick- history … the practice of medicine itself is predicated on the real- ing and choosing which zygotes are to live and which are to die ization that we must interfere in the so-called “natural processes” is unethical. if our duty is to “sustain human life.” You also keenly reference the fact that both nature and Moreover, if Mr. Heller is arguing that birth and the cre- nurture determine the development of an individual. The rela- ation of human life are processes too sacrosanct to be manipu- tionship between genes and environmental stimuli is simply rec- lated by mankind, then he is too late. Are we to deny mothers the ognized to exist (and I do not refute that it does) however to existing right to screen their embryos for lethal debilitating condi- what extent the environment affects genetic expression has yet tions like cystic fibrosis? On a similar note, should women seek- to be determined. The talents of the great men you have listed, I ing artificial insemination not be allowed to choose the pheno- believe, were most definitely rooted in their genes but nurtured type of the donor? Certainly, as Mr. Heller states, “the handi- by their environment. Thus, re-bearing them in the 21st century capped do not represent a marginal population in society meant and giving them access to modern technology and the tome of to be eliminated.” But when we give an infant a measles vaccine, human achievement would probably make them even more likely surely we are not doing so because we wish to systematically to succeed, even if they do have a different character. Perhaps discriminate against and eliminate those patients afflicted with Einstein would not again win the Nobel Prize and impact the the disease? course of human progress, but I sure as hell wouldn’t want to be Mr. Heller also argues that cloning poses a threat similar in his physics class so long as he’s messing up the curve. to that of historical episodes of ethnic cleansing and eugenics programs. For example, he notes that “[cloning] could, for in- stance, use DNA from a corpse to resurrect great minds from the ? past and reuse their brilliance in a different temporal context.” Last month, we asked What Mr. Heller has overlooked is the classic division between readers to guess what nature and nurture. He states that “accepting all people, and suc- Cornel West is contem- ceeding as a team, united as a race, is part of what it means to be plating as Al Sharpton human.” But how much of what it means to be “human” are you pontificates. The read- willing to ascribe to your genes? Surely, even a clone that is ers have spoken: identical in every physical feature cannot be the same person, and we need only look to identical twins as an example. Suppose Runners-up: we should “resurrect” a great mind from the past - should we If I were still in The Matrix, I bet I could freeze time and expect this clone to be akin to the original even in character? Were kick Lieberman’s head clean off. the contributions of Einstein, Mozart, Shakespeare, or Aristotle Maybe if I stroke this beard long enough, people will due simply to their DNA….? think I’m an intellectual. Sigh - it’s true. Al is smarter than Colin Powell, Walter Sincerely, Williams, Thomas Sowell, Condi Rice combined. I really know Varun Phadke ‘05 how to choose quality people to back. Bradley Heller responds: First Place: Some of your views are based on faulty conclusions Just think. That could be me. I could be running reached from a misreading of my article. As I stated in my con- for President, if only I had discovered Tawana Brawley first. clusion, “there is a fine line between curing disease and unethi- (Congrats to David Baraff ’66.)

MARCH 2003 THE PRINCETON TORY · 5 LETTERS AN OPEN LETTER TO THE USG

Princeton’s Undergraduate Student Government diverse is defined as “non-USG”—from asking the USG (USG) may begin adopting partisan political views after for support. being pressured by the Ivy Council, a forum of Adopting the role of politician will only distract the university student government leaders. The Council is USG from its campus-related missions, adding a new level encouraging the Princeton USG to adopt a resolution in of bureaucracy. For example, the Trustees Initiative support of the affirmative action case at the University of Committee has four subcommittees, whose chairs each Michigan. USG President Pettus Randall initially resisted provide committee reports to the main committee. This endorsing political sides, saying, “Our position this year [in time-wasting bureaucracy renders simple goals the USG] is that we don’t take partisan stands,” according unachievable. Former USG President Joe Kochan ’02 to the Prince. After a USG Senate meeting, proposed a report on minorities in Fall however, it appears that they are seriously 2001—a very laudable mission. considering reversing their position and will According to the USG website today, a soon be endorsing political stances. The year and half later, Kochan’s plan is still Tory and numerous concerned students the USG’s main issue, even though vehemently oppose allowing the USG to Kochan already graduated. The last speak for us on these critical issues. thing the USG needs is another Advocates of the change cite the impediment to achieving its promises. USG constitution’s provision: “The Senate The USG has recently embarked shall have the power to initiate discussion, upon stimulating intellectual diversity on deliberate, and vote on any question relating campus by hosting a series debates. We to or affecting undergraduate life.” They praise them for serving as a neutral have grossly misinterpreted this clause to moderator on campus, but ask them to mean it affords them the capacity to speak consider the absurdity of a debate on for Princeton students on controversial affirmative action if the “neutral political issues. USG representatives should moderator” has already decided the avoid imparting their personal views for many outcome. This scenario sends the reasons. message, “please come share your Student government representatives were elected ideas with us, even though we’ve already made up our based on their ability to serve the students and their plans mind.” Such a mockery of exchanging ideas obviously for effecting positive change on campus. If those elected warrants criticism of “anti-intellectualism.” This term was will be representing our political views, they must identify coined by U-Council Co-Chair Josh Anderson, who ironically their stance on every major political issue during their is now a key supporter for joining the Ivy Council. campaign, so that students know what stance they will take These issues must be addressed before the USG if faced with a vote. This stipulation prevents at least the adopts a new role as political spokesperson for the student ’02-’03 officers from expressing viewpoints, as it would be body. The Ivy Council’s affirmative action resolution will a major abuse of our support and deviation from their be voted on at the April 4th convention to be held at campaign promises. Princeton. If our USG takes part, prepare yourself for Furthermore, Princeton’s USG has maintained strict candidates running on platforms such as pro-choice or pro- nondiscrimination policies; adopting partisan stances would life and the USG’s final relinquishment of its already-loose openly discriminate against minority views. The Projects grasp on the reins of change at Princeton. Board, the wing of USG with the most impact on students, provides in its constitution, “neither political nor religious Signed, ideology, nor an applicant’s age, gender, race, sexual orientation, nor creed shall affect decisions made by the Evan Baehr, Editor-in-Chief, the Tory Board.” If the USG adopts conservative or liberal stances Kyle Detwiler, USG Treasurer on issues, they will not be able to objectively review John Brunger, U-Council proposals. Worse, it will discourage diverse groups—here, Adam Kopald, Senate

6 · THE PRINCETON TORY MARCH 2003 LETTERS TORY GAINS CONTROL OF $9.9 MILLION OF UNIVERSITY FUNDS Financial Manager Ira Leeds Accessed 15 University Accounts at PNC Bank, Notified Authorities and Became a Media Sensation Overnight

It’s the worst nightmare of an administration al- Manager, ready plagued by a computer scandal, and a dream come It looks like you have not only a hard working, knowl- true for a cash-strapped conservative magazine that receives edgeable member of your staff, but a honest one also. A tip no University funding. “Except,” the Tory’s press release of the hat to Ira Leeds. wryly noted, “by accident.” (Dallas, Texas) The past month has seen the Tory’s opportunity to commission their 24-karat gold equestrian statue of Ronald To Whom It May Concern: Reagan come and go. Under the financial prowess of Ira Would you please thank and congratulate Ira Leeds Leeds, Financial Manager, the Tory was given online ac- for me? I recently read (on AP news) about the recent com- cess to $9,900,693.61 of the University’s funds in fifteen puter glitch which opened over $9M, but Ira was conscien- accounts at PNC Bank. It appears that the Princeton Tory, tious enough to report it without taking advantage. In this Inc.’s non-profit checking account was linked by Taxpayer age of “finders, keepers”, it’s refreshing to see someone act Identification Number to the University’s accounts at the with integrity. bank. Leeds immediately notified bank authorities and asked Thanks! them to terminate his online access, though he continued to (Withee, WI) be able to access the funds for at least twelve hours. Along with Tory Publisher John Andrews, Leeds That was a rare display of honesty, kid. Good Karma sent an email from the official Tory account notifying Pro- is hard to come by, and you just bought a truckload. vost Amy Gutmann and President Shirley Tilghman of the Good work. security breach. (Oakland, CA) Although PNC Bank and the University were quick to respond to the financial glitch, the incident received world- Dear Mr. Leeds, wide press coverage. I recently read about the incident regarding your ability “We’re not happy,” University spokeswoman to gain access to Princeton’s financial accounts at PNC Bank. Lauren Robinson-Brown told the press. “Nothing like this I commend you for your honest and ethical handling has ever happened before.” of the situation and believe that your behavior is a fine ex- The Tory initiated the media blitz by posting a press ample that others can learn from. release on its web site, www.princetontory.com, and faxing Thank you for your commitment to truth and hon- the release to area papers. The release referred the media esty. to the web site, where a copy of the online statement, indi- (Wilmington, DE) cating the $9.9M balance, could be viewed. The first large paper to pick up the story was The Ira Leeds ’06 responds: Times of Trenton, with the top headline “University Bank- ing on Student’s Honesty.” The Tory’s web site received Dear [Sirs], several thousand of hits the next day. Thank you very much for the praise you gave me regard- CNN, both in America and Europe, featured the ing the financial mixup at PNC Bank. Although it is always story, as did National Public Radio’s Morning Edition. nice to be appreciated for one’s acts, I would ask you to look Area television stations reported the story. KCQQ-FM in at a problem that your e-mail and the story in general raises. Davenport, Iowa interviewed Leeds on the air. Why is our society so surprised when someone does the right The Associated Press picked up the story from the thing? There are so many things that influence our growth as Tory press release and featured the story at the top of its individuals, and it pains me that many of these influences do daily miscellaneous collection. Hundreds of newspapers not honor honesty and ethics as core values. These values are across the world ran the story. central to developing a healthy and just society... This week, Leeds and the Tory have received emails from across the country commenting on the event. Here Sincerely, are a few samples, along with Ira’s response. Ira Leeds ‘06, Tory Financial Manager

MARCH 2003 THE PRINCETON TORY · 7 THE RANT Ø While the Tory is generally known for its scathing of abortion – one wonders where the “again” comes criticisms of the Tilghman administration, we’re more from. Rather, the question will likely be left to the than happy to give credit where it is due. Kudos to several states, in whose hands the issue belongs. Dean of Students Thomas Dunne and Fleurette King, director of Diversity@Princeton. They helped the Ø Princeton’s Roman Catholics were gratified to read, Tory, College Republicans, and Whig-Clio to secure in a front-page Daily Prince caption, that the “author $5,000 in grants to bring intellectual diversity to of Pope John Paul II’s autobiography” visited Princeton in the form of conservative guest speakers, Princeton and spoke in McCosh 50. It’s great that including The Washington Post’s George Will and the Pope himself, and not theologian George Weigel, National Review’s Jonah Goldberg. Thanks to the came to Princeton. It is unfortunate that while the Projects Board and the Bildner Fund for the Pope was here, His Holiness did not see fit to Advancement of Diversity on Campus, the Tory is perform exorcisms on Prince copy editors. They officially “diverse.” also recently ran the headline “Tory Sponsors Lecture by ‘Dangerous Conservative,’” to describe our Spring Ø According to the latest poll from CBS and The New Lecture Series talk by author Daniel Flynn. Nowhere York Times, hardly a bastion of conservative thought, in the Tory’s publicity or press release for the event “55 percent of respondents in the latest poll would did we use the quoted phrase, ‘Dangerous support an American invasion of Iraq, even if it was Conservative.’ Rather, the phrase was used by in defiance of a vote of the Security Council.” And Whig-Clio to hype (gasp) another conservative 58 percent thought the UN has bungled the Iraq lecturer, Charles Murray. This all goes to show that crisis. Don’t worry, Palmer Square townies; you’ll be at the Daily Princetonian, all conservatives are too stoned to notice when the war starts. exactly the same (they’re dangerous!), just like all Catholics are the same (they’re the Pope!). Ø In an effort to counter the great success of Respect Life Week, Princeton Pro-Choice invited Ms. Sarah Ø Several campus publications have taken to fawning Love from the National Abortion and Reproductive over the “non-partisan” Student Global AIDS Rights Action League (NARAL) to speak here on Campaign (SGAC), a nascent student group hoping to March 4. Her talk was advertised as “The Relevance draw attention to the plight of HIV/AIDS victims. of the Pro-Choice Movement in America.” Well, that And compliments are certainly in order for reminding title earns no hostility from us—the Tory doesn’t students that a preventable disease continues to kill dispute that advocating the death of a million babies millions the world over. (As to whether it is “the per year is relevant in America. We looked forward single greatest problem in the world…period,” as one very much to hearing Ms. Love speak, but fate SGAC leader argues, we’ll defer to weapons of mass handed down a heavy dose of irony—Ms. Love went destruction, tyranny and poverty, among others.) Still, into labor on March 3 and had to cancel her talk. future interviews should not be conducted by aspiring Perhaps the miracle of life will knock some sense into Dan Rathers. How about a few real questions for NARAL’s deputy legal director. SGAC, like: Why allocate resources to protesting a speech by Senator Bill Frist, the elected official most Ø Those so-called Queer Radicals, who claim to be dedicated to public health in recent memory? What neither queer nor radical, have launched a flyer role does abstinence education have in preventing the campaign as incomprehensible as their title. A typical spread of HIV? And when will SGAC finally admit one reads, “Over one million American women face that President Bush’s record on AIDS is superior to abortions each year. If abortions are made illegal his predecessor’s? again, where will they all go?” First of all, the women don’t “face” abortions. They “face” Ø Bravo to grad student Michael Frazier for penning the childbirth, and instead “choose” abortion. Secondly, a worst Prince op-ed of the month, “Will You Marry review of Roe will not likely result in the illegalization Me, Paul Krugman?” One can only marvel at a

8 · THE PRINCETON TORY MARCH 2003 piece that manages to slobber over the country’s Ø In addition to the normal variety of Valentine’s Day most partisan newspaper columnist and wax eloquent candy, selected members of the Tory received female about same-sex marriage – and that’s just the title. genitalia chocolates from the OWL / Vagina Keep working on that dissertation, buddy. Monologue coalition; we were not surprised at their continued vulgarity and crudeness. We are Ø Quotation of the month: “Being Hispanic for us disappointed with OWL’s unwillingness to debate the means more than having a surname,” according to appropriateness of CAKE’s crude sexual display. New Jersey Representative Frank Menendez. This Also, our condolences to the frustrated liberals who interesting remark came at a press conference could craft no more intelligible response to the designed to neutralize the ethnic appeal of February issue than to cut it up into strips and tape conservative judicial nominee Miguel Estrada, a them into a roll, accompanied by the sign “Wipe your native Honduran who learned English only after ass with this!” immigrating to New York at age 17. We won’t bother waiting for President Tilghman to denounce Ø We salute Whig-Clio for maintaining a “steadfast this language of racial authenticity propagated by a belief in the freedom of speech,” according President local elected official. Her defense of affirmative Andrew Bruck, by refusing requests from its action programs, which assume that Hispanic members to uninvite Reverend Pat Robertson. The surnames and birth in Hispanic countries are controversial spiritual leader will speak at Princeton legitimate signs of one’s ethnic heritage, is on April 1, despite demands from liberal student denunciation enough. activists to censor the conservative Christian.

Ø Aren’t you happy you chose to come to Princeton? Ø President Bush has recently come under fire for It appears our rivals from Yale started spring break embracing his religious beliefs in public speaking. early when the technical and service, clerical, and Statements such as, “The liberty we praise is not the graduate teaching assistant unions went on strike on gift to the world, it is God’s gift to humanity,” which March 3. To add insult to injury, Jesse (the Bush said during the State of the Union address have irrelevant) Jackson came and rallied the picketers, been characterized as “messianic militarism” and saying, “[Yale’s] too rich for the workers to be so imply that “he’s on a crusade.” But Bush joins poor.” So Jesse, what about the kids who are George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in seeking shelling out nearly forty grand a year and can’t eat or God’s guidance. From this he holds that all are go to class? created equal and endowed by God with unalienable rights and dignity. Religion must not become Ø And we were worried about Prof. Paul Krugman intertwined with the state, but forcing politicians to set teaching Econ 101! professor aside their faith while in office is intolerant. Stephen A. Marglin is proposing that the department offer a “more balanced” introductory economics Ø Shirley Tilghman has officially stated that she opposes course to counter former Reagan economic advisor the ban on human cloning in a recent Prince article. Martin Feldstein’s course. Even Harvard President We praise Family Research Council scholar Kristin Summers concedes that Feldstein’s views are “closer Hansen (’94) for her Wall Street Journal article to the center than certainly Prof. Marglin’s.” Our criticizing Tilghman for “obfuscating the language” of guess is that Marx and A’s will both be plentiful in the cloning and her choice in collaborator, David Marglin course. Baltimore, as being “dangerously like a eugenicist.” Aside from her personal position on cloning, Tilghman Ø We at the Tory mourn the death of Fred Rogers, has mistaken her presidency as a powerful soapbox. children’s television actor and Presbyterian minister. She must not be allowed to use Princeton resources Mister Rogers taught our generation how to be good to lobby for political issues on personal whim. neighbors: to treat one another with compassion and generosity, to respect law and family, and to make- Ø The Organization of Women Libertines’s (OWL’s) believe a better society. We trust he is in a happier Pleasure Workshop, devoted to “fantasy, orgasm, and neighborhood, where every day is indeed beautiful. pleasure… with sexy door prizes”… we’ll pass.

Compiled by the Editors

MARCH 2003 THE PRINCETON TORY · 9 COVER STORY GANKED! How Administrative Racial Preferences Promote Segregation and Negate Diversity

College for African-Americans is deter- rated on both “social environment for mined by four factors, none of which African-American students” and “aca- John Andrews ’05 are strictly confined to education: demic environment for African-Ameri- One of these factors is how well can students.” The online edition of Black En- the magazine ranked the school in 2001. The final factor was simply the terprise magazine features, as does the So, schools traditionally placed highly are “percentage of African-American under- print version, a “spotlight” on “The Top less vulnerable to fluctuations, and graduate students.” The more black stu- 50 Colleges and Universities for African- schools like Princeton are not given the dents, the higher the fourth factor’s rat- Americans.” Prominently displayed full benefit of the doubt for any ing. there, one finds a cartoon of a college “progress” they might have made. I have serious reservations con- campus, with students walking to the Two more factors depend on cerning the validity of the first three cri- library, to the gymnasium, and so forth. how well black administrators at sur- teria. These reservations focus on the One notices that on this col- inertial effects of includ- lege campus, every single car- ing previous ratings and toon kid is black. There are the subjectivity of the “en- no Asians, Native Americans, vironmental” questions. Hispanics, or whites. Every- However, let’s one is the same color. That suspend these reserva- vision is an artist’s rendering tions and focus on the of the best college for an Afri- fourth criterion: “the can-American. blacker, the better.” This If you read the list it- criterion is clearly the self, this vision becomes reason that Morehouse clearer. The very Best College College, Hampton Uni- for African-Americans is versity, and Spelman Col- Morehouse College in Atlanta. lege are ranked at the This and other historically very top; it is hard to black schools (that is, those at- imagine these schools tended by an overwhelming beating Stanford by any percentage of black students) other means. To extend take the top several spots. gank: a humble server spawns a mighty controversy. this argument to its logi- Then, Florida A&M takes sixth cal conclusion, an all- – and Stanford seventh. Princeton does veyed colleges rated other colleges. It black college is the best possible college not appear on the list. seems possible that this process would for blacks. Whatever happened to Brown Without a doubt, Princeton Uni- provoke intrigue and back-stabbing. It v. Board of Education? versity provides a better education than is not clear that any administrators at Harvard’s President Emeritus Morehouse College. Princeton has con- Princeton chose to participate, and it is Derek Bok is one of the least regenerate sistently placed first in the US News & certainly understandable if they did not. liberals in academia. Along with World Report rankings, in which University spokeswoman Lauren Princeton counter-part Bowen, he is the Morehouse misses the top tier. Inter- Robinson-Brown, judging from the co-author of The Shape of the River, the estingly, Black Enterprise uses the ex- Prince coverage, seemed to be under the famous apologia for racial preferences act categorization of schools (i.e. re- impression that alumni and not adminis- in admissions. His advocacy of “diver- search university, liberal arts college, trators were asked to submit ratings, sity” has, post-Bakke, supplanted “past etc.) developed by USN&WR. But ac- which is clearly not the case. Whether discrimination” as the academic justifi- cording to Black Enterprise, the Best or not Princeton had her say, she was cation for racial preferences in admis-

10 · THE PRINCETON TORY MARCH 2003 COVER STORY sion. Although I harbor serious reser- White Males – as “diverse.” Rather, di- Cornell Review was forced, despite his vations as to the existence of a compel- versity is skin deep, and only certain protests, into the Ujamaa house, ling governmental interest in this “diver- groups on campus are “diverse.” The Cornell’s all-black dormitory. Cornell sity,” I would like to make a sociologi- Prince quoted Brittani Kirkpatrick, presi- also placed in Black Enterprise’s Top 50. cal argument, using him and Tilghman, dent of the who signed an amicus brief endorsing Black Student Whites lack “diversity” and U. Michigan’s point system, as examples Union (BSU) in of the prevailing liberal ideology at elite response to the fail Black Enterprise’s, though Universities. I hope to show that the Top 50: self-segregationist phenomenon violates “Princeton not Derek Bok’s, value test. Bok-Tilghman’s theory of diversity and brings diverse finally that both the segregationist men- students here but doesn’t really make tality and Bok-Tilghmanism are bunk. them part of the campus.” Segregation de facto Contrapositive: if you’re part of the cam- Segregation de jure pus, you’re not diverse! What Bhatt was hanging out with Kirkpatrick really means is that blacks friends when he received a University- Even Bok would disagree with own a monopoly on the buzzword “di- wide email from housing director Adam “the blacker, the better,” since an all- verse.” Conversely, whites lack “diver- Rockman concerning next year’s inde- black college would be as racially diverse sity” and fail Black Enterprise’s – though pendent applicants for housing in as an all-white one. Rather, Bok argues, not Derek Bok’s – value test. Spelman. “It jumped out at me, that there the various races benefit simply from Second, because this segrega- were so many draw groups comprised co-existence. Black Enterprise would tion is University-sponsored and not gov- of a single ethnicity,” he explained. have us believe that the African descen- ernmental, students don’t realize that “Have we achieved, de facto, the segre- dants are better off without the Euro- they’re missing out much as pre-Brown gation institutionalized at universities like pean – but is Europe’s legacy so bank- schoolchildren. Black Enterprise stan- Stanford?” rupt that blacks can gain nothing from dards actually encourage segregation de Bhatt’s frustration with self- it? And is Africa’s legacy so rich that jure: , which placed segregation led him to post a statement African-Americans need to draw only seventh, segregates students by ethnicity on the popular file-sharing sever from it? according to the house system. I spoke gank.princeton.edu, the server which What Black Enterprise is advo- with Niraj Bhatt ‘03, a Minority Affairs Niraj owns. Niraj’s major is Electrical cating through its formula is segrega- Advisor (MAA), about this practice over Engineering, and “Gank” is a hobby of tion. But it is a form of segregation more dinner in his . He deplored his. “aZn self-segregation? Spelman in- subversive than that of Brown v. Board. the “balkanization promoted by Stanford ternment camp? Why do we bother with First, “the blacker, the better” does not in establishing these color-coded dormi- diversity?” the site asked. Each of these recognize the Western canon – the Dead tories.” One of my colleagues at the phrases linked to relevant articles from various viewpoints on diversity – includ- ing one by Derek Bok on the last of these questions. He also posted a list of the all-Asian groups in the Spelman draw. Within the hour, this son of South Asian immigrants received sev- enty to eighty emails from students in- cluding Asians who threatened to “kick your smelly Hindu ass” or to sodomize Bhatt with a baseball bat. Bhatt requested not to be pictured in this article because of such threats. The next morning at eight, Ed- ward Champlin, the Master of Butler College, telephoned Bhatt. He required Bhatt to attend an impromptu gathering of the college staff. Bhatt was told to speak to a meeting of the Asian-Ameri- can Students’ Association (ASA) that night and was assigned a counselor at Whatever happened to Brown v. Board? McCosh Health Center – for “sessions on sensitivity,” according to an email to

MARCH 2003 THE PRINCETON TORY · 11 COVER STORY Butler College from Champlin (or “Mas- rated from those of another, none of that other preferences promote self-seg- ter Ted,” as he is fondly known). Bok’s hypothesized learning could pos- regation would not speak in favor of ra- Compared to the diversity po- sibly occur. Herein lies the problem: Bok cial preferences; such evidence would, lice at other universities, Butler College and Tilghman’s admissions philosophy by Bok’s standard, reflect unfavorably responded quite reasonably. Master Ted reinforces this segregation and prevents upon the alternate preferences. Besides, made it clear that since Bhatt was an most Princeton students receive none of MAA, the issue was not of these preferences. free speech and the sub- Quoting other excep- stance of Bhatt’s message, Holding groups to different tions to the rule of non- but of obligations as an ad- standards prevents those groups preference does not visor and the words and make the rule less valid; names included in the Gank from identifying with one another. each exception must posting. Having issued sev- be examined on its eral apologies, Bhatt will fin- merits. Although one ish his senior year as MAA. College of- the alleged rewards of diversity from need not examine the other exceptions ficials were quick to emphasize the frank being conferred upon the student body. to argue against that of race, it is helpful discussions on self-segregation that the Tilghman, both at Princeton to my argument to do so. For the sake incident has promoted. and in support of the admissions policy of argument, I will concede that non- at the University of Michigan, stakes racial preferences may cause some self- Where do admissions come in? Princeton’s reputation on the notion that segregation, but I contend that racial race-based demarcation of students will preferences cause greater and more Compare Butler College’s atti- promote their interaction with members problematic self-segregation: tude toward diversity with that of of other races. Sadly, her means are While it is true that other Stanford, Cornell, or Morehouse – in- incompatible with her ends, and this groups, like athletes and children of stitutions on Black Enterprise’s Top 50. premise can only lead to failure. alumni, receive preferences that might In Black Enterprise’s segregated insti- At institutions like Princeton, lower one’s assumption of the standards tutions, even the most liberal academ- where race is a deciding factor in ad- they met, you cannot spot a “legacy kid” ics’ ideals of educational diversity have mission, it makes perfect sense to as- on sight. When first meeting a legacy gone by the wayside. Color, not diver- sume that members of certain minority student, some Bok-ish (Bokian?) inter- sity, has become the goal of social engi- groups are admitted neering at these schools. under laxer stan- It means little to say that dards than non- Even if Derek Bok is right, Princeton is better than these “Top 50” members. To define schools at promoting an instrumentally one’s interaction Tilghman should oppose diverse student body. Princeton stu- with these groups dents have simply replaced institutions based on this as- racial preferences. like Stanford’s all-Asian Okata House or sumption is not rac- Cornell’s all-black Ujamaa House with ist – it is a rational practice perpetuated action is required before discovering his institutions of their own. Spelman draw by racist and unfortunate admissions parentage. Neither do legacies tend to is not the only prominent example: this standards. Thus, by defining one’s ini- exclusively associate with each other. Al- past Bicker, the leaderships of the Black tial assumptions about people one meets, though selective clubs like Ivy and Cot- and Hispanic student unions decided to dual admissions standards exert a sur- tage might be viewed as places for lega- concentrate their membership into one prising amount of influence on how cies to meet and interact, these clubs do eating club, Campus, though they failed Princetonians choose to associate, or not not exclude non-legacy students. to gain a controlling majority of the of- to associate, with one another. Unless in uniform, athletes are ficers and membership. (Campus mem- Bhatt agrees that there are trou- also difficult to spot on sight – the au- bers are contractually discouraged from bling connections between race-con- thor has often been mistaken for a star commenting to the media; rather, the scious admissions and self-segregation. athlete. While recruited athletes may officers are supposed to speak for the “I can see how holding different groups indeed be visually recognizable, it is easier club. In a journalistic Catch-22, of people to different standards might and more consistently possible to rec- Jonathan Chou, President of Campus make it more difficult for those two ognize a preferred minority. Thus, in- Club, declined to comment on this sub- groups to identify with one another,” he teraction-defining assumptions are less ject.) Then there are the race- and said. likely to come into play with athletes. ethnicity-based student groups them- Defenders of race-based admis- Athletes of a given team do tend to as- selves. sions policies love to claim legacy and sociate more with one another, but this This segregation is inconsistent athletic preferences as counter-examples, with even the most liberal philosophy of but these claims are empty when it (Continued on Page 16) race. If students of one race are sepa- comes to self-segregation. Any proof

12 · THE PRINCETON TORY MARCH 2003 NATIONAL $26 TRILLION OVERBOARD ...and Spending Like Drunken Sailors got) a tax cut that was equal to no less and it destroys precisely what America than 21 percent of government outlays. needs most today: wealth-creating, pro- Jurgen Reinhoudt ‘06 Krugman and others explain ductive investments. Greenspan’s February 11 testimony as If you wonder why almost all Alan Greenspan’s comments a criticism of the Bush tax cut. Yet technological innovation today seems to before the Senate Banking Committee on Greenspan said the following: “Deficits, be coming from America and not from February 11 have been completely mis- possibly ever widening, would be the in- my home continent, Europe, just look at interpreted by left-leaning newspapers evitable outcome…if spending growth government spending: while combined such as the Washington Post and The were to outpace nominal GDP growth.” local, state and federal government New York Times. Princeton’s Paul Spending is the real problem, not tax spending in the US amounts to about 28 Krugman, too, missed Greenspan’s point cuts. Alan Greenspan, a devout libertar- percent of GDP, in Europe it is equal to entirely. Observing that rising interest ian, does not object to tax cuts. He does, about 50 percent of GDP. The differ- rates have the potential to hurt however, object ences between the United States and the US economy, Greenspan to deficits, and Europe in areas such as economic said he was worried about the to the borrow- growth, job creation, technological in- threatening return of massive ing of money novation, and industrial production are deficits. Yet as the Oklahoman, that will have to staggering and should astonish anyone but not the Post or the Times, be repaid, with who cares to look objectively at the noted, Greenspan meant that interest, by fu- facts. the time has come to finally get ture generations Congressional Republicans a grip on federal government (you, the reader, should be very careful as far as their spending. Misinterpreted, by golly... included). The spending habits are concerned: while The Congressional solution is not they claim they are the party of “small Budget Office estimates the Federal only simple, but also extremely desir- government,” they risk becoming “bor- Government will spend more than $26 able: federal spending should be cut to row and spend” politicians instead of trillion over the next ten years. That’s a the bone. “tax and spend” Democrats. Republicans gargantuan $26,000 billion of your Paul Krugman won’t put the need to remind themselves of Gingrich’s money. You’re unlikely to hear those sta- quote in his weekly column, but Nobel 1994 Contract With America, and tistics from pundits like Krugman, who Laureate Milton Friedman once ob- Reagan’s masterful observation, “Gov- would prefer to see this great country served: “The real burden on the public ernment is not the solution; government transformed into a European-style wel- is what government spends (and man- is the problem.” The recent budget that fare state, with massive taxation, ane- dates others to spend.) […] I would was passed by a Republican Congress mic growth rates and astonishingly high rather have government spend one tril- in coordination with a Republican Presi- levels of unemployment (but, yes, all of lion dollars with a deficit of a half a tril- dent provides for a monstrous $2.2 tril- that with a balanced budget). lion than have government spend two lion in federal spending. The growth of President Bush proposed last trillion dollars with no deficit.” Gov- non-defense programs is (mostly) year to give a measly $1.6 trillion back ernment spending succeeds like no other capped at 2%, not exactly “cutting gov- to the taxpayer, but even that was too mechanism known much for people like Teddy Kennedy (D- to man in drowning MA), people who drool puddles at the out productive, thought of spending other people’s wealth-creating in- money. The tax cut was ultimately wa- vestments in the pri- tered down to $1.3 trillion. Now, Presi- vate sector. Gov- dent Bush is proposing to give an addi- ernment spending tional $0.665 trillion back to the taxpayer, isn’t a harmless in part to reinvigorate the ailing economy. mechanism through The tax cut total would be about $2 tril- which one can rem- lion over a 10-year period, equal to 10 edy the perceived percent of federal outlays. Bush’s pro- excesses of capital- posal pales in comparison to President ism. Government Kennedy’s proposal: JFK proposed (and spending destroys, Source: National Taxpayers’ Union

MARCH 2003 THE PRINCETON TORY · 13 NATIONAL ernment” to the bone. And while most By cutting unnecessary spend- enough to avoid any deficits. Even if Princetonians will not be sweating and ing, the deficit can be eliminated, fewer Congress merely makes the non-defense angrily biting their pillows at night be- wealth-creating investments will be discretionary budget what it was in 2000 cause Congressional Re- under Bill Clinton, $94 billion publicans have proposed would be saved this year and passed the largest fed- Government spending destroys what alone and the deficit would be eral budget in history, con- America needs most: wealth-creating, reduced by nearly 30 percent. sider the following: It might also be a good idea As one National productive investments. for Bush to avoid proposing Review Online columnist massive new government noted, the domestic social welfare bud- crowded out, and the size and scope of programs: Bush proposed a 10-year, get has expanded more in just two years the Federal Government can be scaled $400 billion prescription drug initiative ($96 billion) under George W. Bush than back. There will also be the necessary for seniors in his state of the union. That in Bill Clinton’s first six years in office room for tax cuts, which will give the should be avoided: a society’s level of ($51 billion). The federal budget rose US economy a much-needed boost. If “compassion” isn’t measured by the size faster in FY 2003 (7%) than under LBJ Congress cuts non-defense discretion- of the government budget. Seniors are (5% per year). And LBJ was a President ary spending in half this year and freezes too dependent upon the Federal Govern- who some say got sexually stimulated it thereafter, trillions of dollars can be ment as it is: the Federal Government by proposing new spending programs. saved over a ten-year period, more than will spend nearly $750 billion this year (It allegedly made him feel alone on Social Security and powerful and satisfied.) Medicare, programs which Granted, America is make seniors dependent upon engaged in a major defensive the Federal Government for war, and our troops deserve their very survival. In his tes- to have the best possible timony to the Senate Banking equipment and compensation, Committee, Greenspan was but Bush (and Congressional urging spending restraint, and Republicans) should follow it is unfortunate (but not sur- President Reagan’s example prising) that the media mis- and, at the very least, freeze interpreted Greenspan’s re- non-defense spending. Re- marks completely. Reckless search by the CATO institute spending, not tax cutting, is even showed that “a spend- the real culprit in the bad cur- ing freeze would eliminate the rent financial situation of the deficit.” Federal government. The Joys and Toys of Conservative Thought princetontory.com

14 · THE PRINCETON TORY MARCH 2003 STATE SEPARATE, UNEQUAL, AND PROUD The New Jersey Education Association

plete more homework and demonstrate shortens a 91-word response to just 36 more positive attitudes and behavior. and simplifies the writing. This pattern Daniel Mark ‘03 The introduction to the black exists throughout the brochures, and I version condenses it: invite readers to examine the discrepan- I am not the first to observe that When families are involved in cies for themselves. political correctness has frequently made their children’s education, children In the blind charge to accom- a mockery of itself. The demands of achieve higher grades and test scores, modate minorities, the NJEA revealed hypersensitivity have occasionally made have better attendance at school, do what President Bush properly terms the life a little more complicated, often pro- more homework and behave better. “soft bigotry of low expectations.” In- viding the butt of a joke. Thus, to the Apparently, the NJEA has been stead of promoting equality by reaching extent that political correctness is amus- gracious enough to spare black parents out to the minority community, the NJEA ing if inconvenient, it is not a source of the trouble of decoding a hard word like assumes that black parents need to have concern. Nevertheless, the urge to bend “positive.” the main version simplified. This is a over backwards in contrite accommo- Addressing the issue of parents’ form of sensitivity steeped in prejudice. dation sometimes leads from the realm assisting in the class- First, the NJEA un- of silliness into the realm of outrage. room, the “white” bro- doubtedly underesti- The New Jersey Education chure answers the ques- mates the ability of the Association’s website1 includes a bro- tion, “Why do teachers black community to chure entitled “Get Involved . . . In Your need my help?” read and comprehend Child’s School.”2 The link to the docu- Today, there is the standard version ment3 calls the brochure “a parent’s re- an increasing emphasis (which does not quite source.” Just beneath it is a link for the on individualized in- have the complexity of Spanish version of the brochure. Origi- struction—fitting the James Joyce to begin nally, the site listed a third version with curriculum to the child. with). Whether or not the subtitle “African-American version.” Teachers want to employ the stereotype contains On January 21, OpinionJournal noted the new methods and mate- even a grain of truth, it curious site,4 prompting NJEA to quickly rials to give each child is a sign of bigotry that revise the words “African-American ver- personal guidance. the NJEA feels a need sion” to read “ethnically diverse version.”5 When you assist not only to provide a Soon after, the link was removed alto- teachers with growing paperwork, make simplified version (which, in a sign of gether. When the NJEA finished its ed- instructional materials, or conduct a sci- the odd standards that have overtaken iting, the African-American version took ence experiment, you give them more the educational establishment, is clearer, the “parent’s resource” heading, which time for planning activities, for trying more concise, and simply better written had disappeared altogether. new teaching strategies, and for work- than their regular version,) but that they Although only the “African- ing directly with children. As a parent label the versions by race. Apparently, American” version remains on the site volunteer, you allow them to be more ef- while water fountains were not allowed (albeit under the “parent’s resource” fective teachers—and the school obtains to be labeled by color, pamphlets can be. heading), both versions are still available your skills and services that might be And in this case, the separation is inten- in PDF format.6 Both versions attempt unavailable due to financial limitations. tionally unequal. to convey the same information, although Here is how the black version By the end of the week in which the African-American version does it in responds to the same question: OpinionJournal uncovered the misdeed, fewer words and simpler language. Today, teachers want to use new a spokesman for the teachers’ union ad- Consider the brochures’ opener. The methods and materials to give each child mitted that the NJEA had erred. I would white version explains: personal guidance. like to believe that the people at the NJEA, Recent studies show that when When you assist teachers, you despite their failures as educators and families are involved in their children’s give them more time to work with chil- writers, are not also racists. What, then, education in positive ways, the children dren. You allow them to be more effec- can explain this embarrassing behavior? achieve higher grades and test scores, tive teachers. I believe that the NJEA’s bumbling is a have better attendance at schools, com- For this item, the black version manifestation of what happens when well

MARCH 2003 THE PRINCETON TORY · 15 STATE intentioned practices lose touch with efforts by the schools to regulate the edu- It would be difficult to argue their motivating principles. Though I cational environment. In spite of this, if that race provides as high a commonal- pray that the black version was meant the law cannot distinguish between a ity of interest and experience as does ath- to embrace the black community, instead pro-life message and a swastika or be- letics, yet despite the lack of common- of saying let us walk together arm in tween a vitamin and an illegal substance, ality, race proves to be a distinction at arm, it came across like a pat on the then the underlying principles have been least as segregating, and likely much head. forgotten. To be sure, there are good more segregating, than athletics when There is great need for racial and reasons for drug laws and for limits on translated into campus life. free It is not my contention that stu- speech. dents do or ought to confine their social How- interactions to those who share common When not founded on principle, ever, interests and experiences; in fact, I have sensitivity and accommodation merely when a rather destructive habit of dating lib- those eral women from New York. patronize minority groups. rules However, it is clear that racial cease to binaries, emphasized by administrative be con- preferences, restructure social interac- ethnic sensitivity, especially because of nected to the principles that endow them tion to form proxy groups with less com- the socioeconomic and educational gaps with meaning, then they cease to have monality of interests and experiences. associated with race and ethnicity. Yet any meaning at all. Let us take a hypothetical ex- when people lose sight of the principles ample of students who share the same of equality and fairness, their political Endnotes race but have widely different nationali- correctness devolves into condescend- ties, economic backgrounds, hobbies, ing benevolence. Affirmative action it- 1 http://www.njea.org/ and academic concentration. Were it not self can be a way for the majority cul- 2 http://www.njea.org/pdfs/ for race- and ethnicity-based distinctions ture to appease its conscience without BMCFASTBrochure.pdf in recruitment, admissions, summer pre- asking the difficult questions that could 3 http://www.njea.org/FamilyCircle/ orientation programs, orientation, and shine light on the true causes of minor- default.asp heavily advertised student organizations, ity failure. But without a real founda- 4 http://www.opinionjournal.com/best/ would these students still form a tightly- tion in principle, sensitivity and accom- ?id=110002943 knit social group, even though each might modation merely patronize the targeted 5 http://www.opinionjournal.com/best/ share more in common with students of group. The NJEA’s action belies a view ?id=110002948 other races? of a favored yet inferior class, perhaps 6 original “parent’s resource” version: By eliminating the University’s to be tolerated and even catered to but http://www.njea.org/pdfs/ official racial distinctions, particularly in not to be accorded respect and dignity GPS_Center_spread.pdf; original African- the admissions standards practiced and as an equal. American version: http://www.njea.org/ otherwise endorsed by the Tilghman ad- Two other examples of school pdfs/BMCFASTBrochure.pdf ministration, Princeton would move policies that have lost touch with prin- 7 http://www.abington.k12.pa.us/junior/ away from the Stanford model, where ciple occurred at Abington Junior High frames.htm the student body is racially “diverse” by School7 in Abington, Pennsylvania, and 8 http://orourke.mce.schoolinsites.com/ percentages but segregated in actuality, Pauline O’Rourke Elementary School8 in 9 http://www.opinionjournal.com/taste/ towards a more interactive, and thus Mobile, Alabama. In Abington, the prin- ?id=110003000 more diverse by Bok’s standards, learn- cipal banned a student from wearing a 10 http://www.opinionjournal.com/best/ ing environment. T-shirt with the words: “Abortion is ?id=110003006 Thus, even if Derek Bok is right homicide. You will not silence my mes- and strictly racial diversity does enhance sage. You will not mock my God. You RACIAL PREFERENCES learning, then President Tilghman should will stop killing my generation. Rock (Continued from Page 12) oppose race-based admissions in order for life.”9 The principal compared the to decrease self-segregation and permit shirt’s message to a swastika and only is not the same breed of self-segrega- a higher-level interaction of students of relented on his ban when the Thomas tion: different ethnicities. More Law Center hinted at legal action. While extreme segregation be- Of course, if Derek Bok is In Mobile, a third-grade boy was sus- tween athletes and non-athletes is unde- wrong, Tilghman should still oppose pended for five days under the school’s sirable, a moderate level is understand- race-based admissions, because racial zero-tolerance substance abuse policy able based on athletes’ common inter- considerations become obsolete; it would for taking a multivitamin at lunch.10 Both ests and experience – the love of the no longer matter if we’re as white as the Abington dress code and the Mobile game and the practice to achieve profi- or as black as substance controls constitute legitimate ciency. Morehouse College.

16 · THE PRINCETON TORY MARCH 2003 INTERNATIONAL TERRORISTS AT THE CHALKBOARD Islamic Jihad in American Academia

days, the one reliable place to find Reds “Divest from Israel” campaigns. They in the USA was the university. These hold a double standard for Israel, simul- Duncan Sahner ‘06 were bold, outspoken academics that taneously condemning its self-defense actively opposed the Cold War and even and willfully ignoring Palestinian of- No small amount of media cov- encouraged the establishment of a Com- fenses. Palestinian atrocities seem less erage attended the February arrest of munist regime on American soil. Many hateful when moral relativism—a favor- Sami Al-Arian, a Kuwaiti man accused of these professors had just five years ite tool of some scholars—warps them. of leading the North American branch earlier been living on communes and Relativism produces arguments along the of Palestinian Islamic Jihad. His seizure eating grass to protest society’s oppres- lines of “Terrorism is the only way the marked a victory for the Bush sion. (Of what or of whom, the Tory Palestinians can express their views.” Administration’s refusal to distinguish still wonders.) If anything, the Soviet Such a misguided assessment of the situ- between terrorists and their sponsors. breakdown cemented the dedication of ation should make any thinking person Another aspect of Al-Arian’s case earned these scholars to Communist principles; cringe. almost as much attention as his jihad they gained tenured positions and still felt Another marker of some pro- comfortable fessors’ sympathies for fundamentalism softening is a variant on the “We had it coming” communism’s idea with respect to the September 11th realities to an attacks. Dan Flynn, the Tory’s recent eager student guest speaker, noted in his lecture how body. The last one professor at the University of Ha- decade, how- waii remarked, “Why should we sup- ever, has seen port the United States, whose hands in communism’s history are soaked with blood?” Some- relevance die out times, fringe academics’ “blame America and with it, stu- first” mentality leads to delusions. Flynn dent interest in mentioned a professor at American Uni- listening to what versity who went so far as to propose Red professors conspiracy theories about 9/11; he noted have to say. in class, “This is very convenient, the management: he was a tenured profes- To what end are Sami Al-Arian Pentagon needs an enemy, and now they sor at the University of South Florida. and Islamic fundamentalism, Commu- have one—very convenient that such Al-Arian’s is definitely an exceptional nism, and the professoriate discussed in opportunistic things happen.” This man situation. Yet this viper’s proximity to the same article? Bluntly: to question first sounds like a loose cannon; his gall to impressionable minds has no doubt whether a new, fundamentally anti- even suggest that the American govern- frightened parents around the country American cause might attract the devo- ment organized the attack must have into considering what their children are tion of Leftist academia, and second, outraged his students. Although a exposed to every day in class. In a larger what role the universities should play in professor’s arguments should always sense, Al-Arian’s activities can draw dealing with it. This inquiry will no doubt elicit opposition for the purpose of dia- America’s attention to a new evolution make people mad. But educators cannot logue, the teacher/student relationship in academia’s loyalty to the liberal Left. afford to ignore the issue—Al-Arian’s precludes a level ground for discussion. Communism was for much of devotion to fundamentalism confirms Students feel they cannot argue with this century the dark shadow lurking at this. While most professors are not out- professors, as it might be disrespectful. the edges of America. Now, with com- right Islamists who support bus bomb- This gives radical professors carte munism living only in the Left’s psycho- ings and hate the “Great Satan,” the sym- blanche to indoctrinate their students— sis, a new danger has emerged. Its un- pathy some harbor for jihadists is cer- or at least try. willingness to discriminate among tar- tain. A supposedly persuasive argu- gets besides the West makes Islamic This Islamist support most ment justifying professors’ wacky ideas fundamentalism possibly even more sin- clearly reveals itself in overwhelming rests on the notion that they speak from ister than communism, which the United faculty opposition to Israel. At elite in- an enlightened position. Undeniably, their States could readily identify and pursue. stitutions like Harvard, teachers have educations are superior to many Ameri- During Communism’s halcyon gone so far as to sign their names to cans’. But implying that the average

MARCH 2003 THE PRINCETON TORY · 17 NATIONAL

American lacks adequate information, George will entertain opinions on legal authorities, who began tracking Al- perspective, and judgment to condemn issues that differ from his own. Arian. Had USF tried to censor Al-Arian fundamentalist Islam is bold. This argu- There remain, however, a dan- without the federal government’s in- ment for academia’s elevation is merci- gerous few radicals on college campuses volvement, the ACLU would have vig- fully rare and only the most desperate who deserve to feel some heat. Loose orously defended the rights of this ter- believers in Islamic fundamentalism’s cannons must be fired. Between radical rorist to propagandize through classes rationale suggest it. Such self-assured professors’ ability to intimidate and the and WISE. The principle of free speech professors who believe in their superi- corresponding lack of counterargument, is excellent and vital to our nation, but ority, though, are almost funny—if the eager young minds accept their philoso- expounding fundamentalist Islamic be- only demands in my life were what size phies without sufficient criticism. One liefs in front of students is unacceptable. latté to buy at Small World and how impact of professors who pontificate like What else can be done to an- quickly I could publish my next paper, this are student groups that act only on ticipate a rising tide of Islamist sympa- then perhaps my values would be out of biased information—the more radical thy, specifically at Princeton? Three op- whack, too. If students can resist a elements of campus peace organizations tions are immediately clear: first, cam- professor’s seeming importance and ap- typify this. While peace movements will pus publications print student opinions proach him as an equal human being, always exist, their reasonableness var- on all sorts of issues; this can be an ef- then his arguments in support of funda- ies wildly. Does it really credit protest- fective tool for alerting the campus to a mentalist Islam’s motivations should be ors’ intellects when they insist that the problem. Second, notifying watchdog easy to deflate. Bush Administration is morally equiva- groups like Accuracy in Academia also To the extent of the author’s lent to the Third Reich or Stalin’s Soviet helps to concentrate media attention on knowledge, Princeton har- professors’ partisan abuse of bors no Sami Al-Arian. their position. Third and unique Again, his is an unusual case to Princeton are our alumni. and unlikely to exist else- Their annual generosity grants where. Yet the number of them considerable influence. actively pro-American They should not hesitate to use voices on the faculty—not it. If a professor ever seems in- necessarily conservative appropriately antagonistic—in ones, just pro-American— any direction, right or left—stu- seems small. Scratch the dents should think about noti- surface of many professors fying the alumni while contact- who at least appear to be ing the right authorities on cam- moderate, and ask them pus. Chances are alumni noti- what sort of moral leadership or legiti- Union? (The latter comparison is ironic, fication will bring about a more desir- macy America commands. Their an- given neo-hippies’ esteem for commu- able response from the administration if swers will probably be quite critical of nism). Professors are supposed to help a virulent anti-American rears his head. the current administration and of shape our minds and hone our judgment; Pressure on the administration to add America’s role in the world. Probing they should feel a personal burden to more moderate and conservative voices more deeply about the sort of legitimacy temper the outrageous ideas of these ex- to the faculty would also help ensure a of terrorists’ goals elicits more shock- treme pacifists. more fully informed student body who ing answers. I’m aware of having made Requiring added scrutiny of could better cope with biased academ- a broad prediction, and merely want to professors is sure to rile up the Left. The ics. suggest that students enter the class- ACLU pretends as though all ideas—ex- This article makes no call for a room with intellectual armor, ready to cept conservative, Christian, Republican witch-hunt or a blacklist—though con- politely challenge what the professor ones, of course—are equally valid and servative professors around the coun- says. should be entertained. A greater myth in try are subjected to this already while Conscious of the power of academia is hard to pinpoint. The ACLU their liberal colleagues are free to talk ideas, universities must be pro-active in and its co-defenders of the 1st Amend- about how America deserves its destruc- scrutinizing what their professors ex- ment need to consider the fallout of (al- tion and lacks moral legitimacy. Students pound to their classes. Professors at most) blindly supporting a professor’s must be pro-active about their educa- Princeton are responsible and separate right to say what he wishes. In 1995, tion. Though in the short term this will their personal views from lecture mate- Al-Arian established an Islamist think- involve watching for sympathy to Is- rial. Paul Krugman is quoted in a recent tank at the University of South Florida, lamic fundamentalism, our intellectual interview as having said that he “bends naming it the World and Islam Studies guard cannot relax once that threat has over backward” to present both sides Enterprise (WISE). WISE was suffi- passed. Universities must never again let of an economic issue to his students. ciently biased—that’s putting it mildly— the world’s Sami Al-Arians take root on Even liberal students admit that Robert that it attracted the attention of federal campus.

18 · THE PRINCETON TORY MARCH 2003 INTERNATIONAL THE RELIGION OF PEACE Wishful Thinking? criticized Bush’s comments as ignoring lims across the globe? From Indonesia truth for pacification, the Washington to Palestine, the Islamic world is con- Ira Leeds and Powell Fraser ‘06 Post Editorial Board accused these crit- stantly found aiding and abetting known ics of “gross distortion.” terrorist groups. Where governments In the wake of the September Like any good Princeton stu- refuse to support these monsters, people 11 terrorist attacks by Islamic fundamen- dents, we wanted to find out for our- from all different demographic back- talists, cultural relativists have painted Is- lam as just another option among main- stream religions. They have stressed the We decided to find out for ourselves peaceful nature of the religion and have rejected any notions that Islam in any- which side was “distorting” the issue. way is a breeding ground for violence and terrorists. In a letter to the Boston selves which side was “distorting” the grounds will forego cushioning their Globe, a Muslim student writes, “I would issue. As we examined primary sources bank accounts in order to support these like to make it clear to the world that as well as the actual facts, we began to violent militants. Widespread violence many Islam extremists may express that notice a disconnect between reality and that spans races, cultures, and nation- Islam is a violent religion, but for the the illusory propaganda that is spouted alities cannot be explained by coinci- most part Islam is a religion of serenity by Muslim apologists. When one takes dence. Rather, such strong evidence and peace. The media sometime go over- the hard facts, the true nature of Islam points to something embedded in Islam board and do not respect the religion of becomes more apparent. Although one that condones and perhaps even encour- Islam, and when they do that, it gives cannot assume that every Muslim is a ages such hostility. For anyone who feels reason to the public not to respect the violent fundamentalist, examining vari- that Islam is inherently peaceful, we religion of Islam. The majority of Mus- ous portrayals of Islam reveals that would like to suggest a few vacation des- lims do not agree with terrorism and the Muslims may not be as peaceful as cer- tinations for their next spring break va- acts of Islamic extremists.” tain interest groups would like us to cation: Gaza, Khartoum, Tehran, and Bali Even President Bush in an at- think. all have very nice weather this time of tempt to alleviate the danger of hate While we concede that not all year. You may want to make sure to write crimes against Muslims has given in to Muslims are violent, terrorists, and ex- out a will and have your accounts settled politicking and said that Islam is “a faith tremists, there is an important sociologi- before you go though; all of these travel based upon peace and love and compas- cal question that must be posed. Why is destinations are currently listed by the sion.” When pragmatic conservatives it that violence seems to follow Mus- State Department to be avoided due to an insufficient de- gree of safety for American travelers. If one is to discover the true nature of Islam, the logical starting point is the Koran1, the central religious text for Islam. Those seeking simi- larities between Is- lam and Western religion describe the text’s position in Islam as equivalent to the Bible’s cen- trality in Christian- ity and the Hebrew

MARCH 2003 THE PRINCETON TORY · 19 INTERNATIONAL

Scriptures’ centrality in Judaism. This the next surah, militant extermination of Thus the super-sanctity of the Koran position, however, is a misinterpretation. the unbelievers is reiterated; “When the apparently encourages a literal reading The text of the Koran is far more pow- sacred months are over slay the idola- that is clearly evident in Islamic radical- erful and influential in Islam than its ters wherever you find them” (9:5). ism. Western counterparts. The physical Even more frightening, some surahs However even with these tex- words on the page of the Koran are in seem to at least partially condemn those tual representations of Islam, evangeli- themselves Holy and to be treated with who refuse to take up this Islamic mili- cal Islamic groups attempt to refute the the utmost respect. An unclean Muslim tancy; “The believers who stay at home extremism inherent in the religion by way is prohibited from touching the book, – apart from those that suffer from a of propaganda. A book distributed by the and unbelievers, who are in a perpetual grave disability – are not the equals of Saudi Arabian Embassy, Discover Islam: state of ritual impurity, are even less those who fight for the cause of God Your Birth Right, lists as Islam’s num- worthy to come in physical contact with with their goods and their persons. God ber one misconception that, “Muslims a real Koran. Ideally, only the Arabic has exalted the men who fight with their are violent, terrorists, and extremists” original should ever be used; any other goods and their persons above those who (80). It then goes on to explain that, “This translation is either inferior or even he- stay at home” (4:95). In other words, is the biggest misconception in Islam, retical. The sanctity of the text encour- the Koran argues that an Islamic paci- no doubt resulting from the constant ste- ages an extremely literal reading. fist would be a traitor to his religion and reotyping and bashing the media gives More important than the book would bring dishonor to his name. Islam. When a gunman attacks a mosque itself are the ideas expressed through its surahs, the Islamic version of biblical chapters. These surahs are where both Western scholars as well as Muslims go to prove that Islam is inherently peace- ful. They cite God saying, “Fight for the sake of God those who fight against you, but do not attack them first. God does not love aggressors…. If anyone attacks you, attack him as he attacked you” (“The Cow,” 2:190,194). Arguing misinterpretation, relativist scholars ex- plain fundamentalists’ philosophies us- ing quotes like these. According to them, far-right Muslims feel that they have been attacked by U.S. culture and must react against it. However, we did notice that this citation also stresses the im- portance of an eye-for-an-eye. There doesn’t seem to be a time in history when the U.S. ever tried to attack Mus- lims by brutally incinerating or burying thousands of innocent people in a single Our question to the academic in the name of Judaism, a Catholic IRA terrible act of aggression. Likewise, community stands: Who is really misin- Guerilla sets off a bomb in an urban area, there has been little coverage of Israeli terpreting these verses? It does not seem or Serbian Orthodox militiamen rape and soldiers running into Palestinian cafés and at all illogical for “radical” Islam to de- kill innocent Muslim civilians, these acts marketplaces with bombs attached to a rive its teachings from the above quota- are not used to stereotype an entire suicide trigger. tions. In fact it makes less sense to read faith.” Unfortunately, this compara- these as figurative rather than literal when Unfortunately, this quotation tively touchy-feely quote has a more sin- so much emphasis is placed on the clouds the issue more than it clarifies ister interpretation as one delves deeper physical script, and the opening verse any misconceptions. It is important to into the Koran. In the fourth surah, to the second surah is, “This book is note that of all the counter-examples to “Women,”2 how Muslims should deal not to be doubted” (2:1). The above Muslim violence noted all three events with non-believers is further explained; quoted scriptures undeniably encourage are aimed at specific groups of individu- “Those that deny Our revelations We will a militant and violent form of Islam that als. While this distinction in no way jus- burn in fire” (4:56). Similarly, in surah 8 is rejected by modern scholars. And yet, tifies these crimes against humanity, it God commands, “Make war unto them simply because modern scholars reject does assist the reader in realizing that [unbelievers] until idolatry shall and God’s a literal interpretation does not mean that Muslim terrorist attacks are even more religion shall reign supreme” (8:38). In laymen follow this modern interpretation. atrocious in that they are completely in-

20 · THE PRINCETON TORY MARCH 2003 INTERNATIONAL discriminate. Muslim terrorists are so rect. In response to the letter from the fill the gap if there is any hope of a disconnected from reality in their mili- Muslim student at the beginning of this brighter future in relations between two tant philosophy that they could care less article, it appears that in at least some very different global ideologies. If un- who actually dies. The World Trade areas of the world the majority of Mus- derstanding is what we truly seek we Center disaster is a perfect example of lims do agree with terrorism and acts of can no longer afford to accept the naïve this indifference towards friendly fire extremism. In a poll3 conducted by the notions of anthropologists who try to tell where 600 Pakistanis alone worked in Palestinian Jerusalem and Media Com- us how peaceful Islam is and how simi- the complex on the day of the terrorist munication Center (JMCC) last year, lar we all really are. Although there may attack. The ethics of war require some 68% of Palestinians polled said they be an opportunity for the peacefully in- sort of discretion from even the most agreed with suicide attacks and 71% clined to also practice Islam, it must be fearsome fighting forces; it appears, accepted terrorist attacks on civilians as recognized that at some level Islam’s however, that the Muslim “holy war” a suitable form of defense given the teachings can be and are used as justifi- does not have any consideration for those present situation in Israel. cation for violence on global scale. caught in the crossfire. The only conclusion we can Middle Eastern apologists also make is that there is an inherent incom- Endnotes point to events in Judeo-Christian his- patibility between the West and Islam tory where Westerners have exhibited that colors any dealings the two have 1 Many of the Islamic terms in this article unprovoked violence and slaughtered with each other. Discover Islam: Your can be spelled a number of ways in En- innocents. The Crusades stand as a glar- Birth Right concedes this fact in its de- glish. For simplicity’s sake, the authors of ing blemish in Christian history. The fault fense of Islam; “Islam may seem exotic this article have chosen to use the con- of those expeditions, however, lay in the or even extreme in the modern world. ventions adopted from the translation of leaders of the Church, not in the reli- Perhaps this is because religion does not the Koran used in research for this article, gious texts. Nowhere in the words of dominate everyday life in the West, Penguin Classics’ The Koran, translated by Jesus or Paul can one find justification whereas Islam is considered a ‘way of N.J. Dawood. Similarly, verese numbers for any kind of Holy War. Christian texts life’ for Muslims and they make no di- have been approximated since the authors tell not of the Samaritan who brought vision between secular and sacred in have worked from an English translation, his wrath to bear on the blasphemous their lives.” We must recognize these not the original Arabic text. Jews in a nearby town but rather of the fundamental differences in order to make 2 The names of the surahs were added much good deeds he performed for a complete culturally conscious foreign policy de- later after the composition of the Koran. stranger. The disciples themselves, in cisions that will be acceptable to both. The names are usually the first word of that trying to defend their teacher against an If we choose to ignore this elephant be- surah and rarely have anything to do with armed party of Pharisaic Jews, ask him, tween America and Islam, our chances the general theme of each. “Lord, shall we strike with a sword?” of finding a common ground become 3 The JMCC poll interviewed 1,179 Pales- (Luke 22:49) Jesus rebukes them for increasingly bleaker. The political cor- tinians over the age of 18 in the West Bank their stupidity. rectness of the cultural relativists must and Gaza Strip. The poll was conducted in We cannot simply ignore statis- be put aside, and open and forthright May and June of 2002 and has a ±3% mar- tical facts in order to be politically cor- discussion of our incompatibility must gin of error.

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MARCH 2003 THE PRINCETON TORY · 21 LAST WORD KILLING FEMINISM, AGAIN OWL’s “Pleasure Workshop” and the Campus “Feminist” Movement

nism, she says, celebrates women as “in- sored by OWL and other groups and tellectual, spiritual, emotional, and moral” signed by nine of the eleven eating clubs, Jennifer Carter ‘03 beings, not sexual objects. is not the answer. The document con- OWL’s defense against the un- demns bicker- and sign-in-related activi- In the April 2002 Tory, Daniel expected controversy was its usual ‘we ties that promote an “unequal balance of Mark ’03 and I each published an article embrace all versions of feminism’ line, power and therefore an unhealthy sexual criticizing the ideology behind the Orga- but OWL president Jess Brondo ’04 environment.” nization of Women Leaders’ recent she- writes, “I find it hard to believe that any This power-based approach is nanigans, which I characterized as “tube feminist would believe that a discussion inherently flawed, for the simple reason top feminism.” promoting an end to the silencing of that there will always be an unequal bal- The response to the articles was women’s sexual desires is ‘anti-femi- ance of power. Sorry, ladies: men are tremendous. Dozens of women thanked nist.’” Indeed, the hypocrisy of OWL is by nature physically stronger than me for writing what so many of them nothing new: despite its claim to total women. had been thinking; I think they were truly relativism, OWL clearly prefers some What is needed to combat the relieved that they weren’t the only ones versions of feminism—like CAKE’s— superficial hookup climate and the lack who felt excluded from OWL’s over others. of a genuine dating scene at Princeton is everywoman feminism. The reaction of As OWL enters its third year, it a new (or rather, old) outlook on sexu- the leaders of OWL was of course quite is, alas, no closer to its stated mission ality. Women who care about this can- different, but their interest in discover- of “rewriting the definition of feminism.” not in good faith assert the right to dress ing why so many women felt antago- In the meantime, though, I respectfully scandalously and then deny any share nistic toward them was encouraging. submit the following suggestions to oc- of responsibility for the sexual environ- The Tory hasn’t had the occa- cupy their time while they figure it out. ment they help to create. Women can- sion to write about OWL in nearly a year, What follows is not another statement not enjoy a drunken hookup one night and it is with some reluctance that I re- of Tory hostility toward OWL, but rather and the next day complain about the turn to the subject. The catalyst, of one woman’s constructive proposals to impossibility of finding a suitable mate. course, has been the controversy over a women’s organization dedicated to No OWL poster campaign or the OWL-sponsored “Pleasure Work- “embracing the diversity” of feminist USG-sponsored forum is going to shop,” scheduled for February 2003 but views—presumably including mine. change the campus social climate. Sexual cancelled and, according to an OWL attitudes are based on perception (people source, rescheduled for April. The work- Reform Princeton’s social climate. think people hook up much more than shop, presented by CAKE, a New York they actually do) and on practice. Every City organization dedicated to promot- The officers of OWL—soror- woman—and every man—can start to ing “sexual culture as entertainment,” ity sisters, members of prestigious eat- change the atmosphere right now. And would have dealt with issues of female ing clubs—are women who occupy the the highly visible women of OWL are in sexual fantasy, masturbation, and orgasm upper echelons of Princeton’s social hi- a particularly privileged position to do and received nearly 200 RSVPs from erarchy, but I am unsure whether they just that, one woman at a time. Princeton women. are aware of the potential uses for their The cancellation of the Pleasure tremendous social power. Talk about tenure reform. Workshop came after many women, in- What if they used that power cluding some of OWL’s own members, for good? They know what’s wrong Some years ago, Professor voiced their opposition and planned to with the Princeton social scene: it’s su- Shirley Tilghman called the academic protest the event. Cason Crosby ’03, perficial, it can be threatening, and no tenure system a “dirty trick” on women commenting on the objectification of one actually “dates.” Last year’s OWL and advocated its reform. As president, women in the CAKE sexual culture, ad campaign urged women to take to she has appointed an unprecedented writes: “The dissociation of any one as- the ‘Street’ in “sexy dresses” and “don’t- number of female administrators and per- pect of a woman, sexual or otherwise, mess-with-me shoes,” but what if they formed a Vagina Monologue, but the is- from the whole reduces her to only a advocated a different approach? sue of tenure reform has been—unfor- part of who she truly is.” True femi- The Bicker Bill of Rights, spon- tunately—quietly tabled.

22 · THE PRINCETON TORY MARCH 2003 LAST WORD

OWL stresses that we cannot both students and professors. Especially Womanliness, and the notion of rape as underestimate the importance of having at a university whose academic advis- a violation of womanliness, became female professors to serve not only as ing system is in crisis, a program of this meaningless. instructors and advisors but also as men- sort would help to fill a great void. As with the Pleasure Workshop tors to young women. If OWL truly be- controversy, OWL lieves this, then they should lead the way Rethink “Take finds itself between in reopening the discussion of the ten- Back The Night.” a rock and a hard ure system, which in its present state at place here: how Princeton and at most institutions essen- The “Take does one glorify fe- tially forces women in academia to Back The Night” ap- male sexuality while choose between career and family, dis- proach to violence rejecting the sexual couraging family-minded women from against women is, objectification of pursuing academic careers. frankly, all wrong. women? The an- President Tilghman’s ambiva- The problem of swer is actually not lence toward tenure reform needs to be sexual violence has so elusive. Female closely scrutinized, and action should be become in our minds sexuality ought to be taken whether or not she is willing to a problem of power, celebrated within its spearhead reform. As an organization and as I’ve noted, natural context. that promotes female leadership in all women are just When sexuality, fields, including academia, OWL is in an never going to be as taken out of the inti- excellent position to bring this issue out strong as men. mate union and the into the light. Violence procreative relation- against women used ship, becomes Build professor-student mentoring. to be an issue of something to be something more than a violation of the flaunted or used as an instrument of OWL has taken steps in this di- will—rape was a violation of womanli- power, objectification is the tautological rection with professor lunches and the ness. An appropriate response to con- result. like, and I applaud their efforts. Too fronting sexual violence, then, must ad- One more thing: last time I many students graduate without having dress the central issue: the nature and checked, the night never did belong to established a meaningful relationship culture of female sexuality. women, except for women of a particular with a faculty member. OWL recog- One devastating consequence profession. I’m pretty sure that’s not nizes, and I agree, that having female of women’s sexual “liberation” during what anyone wants to advocate. I know role models and mentors is especially im- the 1960s is the reduction of the female “Take Back Respect And Appreciation portant for young women at Princeton. body’s most amazing function to some- Of Our Sexuality” doesn’t lend itself to A great long-term project would thing that one suppresses medically (a group chanting at rallies quite as well as involve creating a mentoring system. treatment subsidized by the University, “Take Back The Night,” but maybe Perhaps it could take the form of pro- of course). In separating sex from pro- something along those lines would do fessor lunches, but scheduled regularly creation, the one power that truly sets women less of a disservice and make us and publicized well enough to interest women apart from men disappeared. feel more like women.

The Tory Staff, with Daniel J. Flynn, author of Why the Left Hates America, first in the Tory’s Spring Lecture Series

MARCH 2003 THE PRINCETON TORY · 23 THE PRINCETON TORY First P.O. BOX 1499 Class PRINCETON, NJ 08542