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2018

Authoritarians don’t like higher ed

Aldemaro Romero Jr.

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This work is made publicly available by the City University of New York (CUNY). Contact: [email protected] www.theintelligencer.com — Tuesday, May 29, 2018 Page A3 Authoritarians don’t like higher ed

History is always a good move to Vienna. ing a mission. source to help us understand Since authoritarian and What happens is that most of today’s problems and tomor- Dr. Aldemaro Romero Jr. nationalistic tendencies are them do not realize that beyond row’s challenges. In the last few becoming commonplace in the financial and policy issues, the years we have been witnessing Letters from Academia U.S. and many other countries, major threat to higher education mounting attacks on higher one wonders what higher edu- in this country comes from those education. Detractors contest its cation leaders can do in order whose ultimate goal is to trans- value, accuse it of brainwash- to fence off these threats. And form our society into a model ing people, and call it a waste of At the presiding table of the consecutive term (and fourth I think the Unamuno example for their ideology, one that seeks taxpayers’ money. And all this is ceremony was general José overall) as Hungarian prime represents a good guide to fol- uniformity over diversity, status taking place in an environment Millán Astray, a veteran of the minister with a landslide vic- low. quo over innovation, and con- in which facts are distorted, Philippine war and a strong tory for his conservative party, For many years leaders of formity over audacity. Failing people seem less educated ally of the Spanish right-wing the pro-government newspaper higher education in this country to recognize and act upon these about reality, and ideological dictator whose Figyelő published a list of more have shown either cowardice, or threats may actually help them leanings are more important wife, Carmen Polo, was attend- than 200 “mercenaries” (essen- lack the imagination to fight to keep their jobs, but it certainly than critical thinking. In other ing the ceremony. After hearing tially a black list) that included preserve the mission of higher doesn’t fulfill their responsibili- words, a world that seems to be Unamuno praising Rizal, Mil- human rights advocates, jour- education – one that provides ties to society. moving more and more towards lán Astray shouted “Death to nalists, and 30 faculty members freedom to pursue intellectual So, next time you hear politi- mediocrity and authoritarian- intelligence! Long live death!” from the Budapest-based Cen- activities without fear from cally oriented criticism aimed at ism. Are there historical prece- to which Unamuno reportedly tral European University (CEU), retribution, one that exempli- higher education, there are two dents to what we are witnessing responded, “This is the temple including Diána Ürge-Vorsatz, fies the way for social justice, things you need to watch for: today? of the intelligence and I am its an environmental physicist and and serves as the light that illu- How are the college and uni- One such event took place high priest. You are desecrating member of Intergovernmental minates the path for society to versity leaders responding, and in Spain on October 12, 1936. this sacred precinct. You will Panel on Climate Change when follow. how much of a menace those Although there are no direct win because you have brute it won the Nobel Peace Prize in How many of today’s higher attacks represent to our demo- records, the most popular force, but you will not convince. 2007. education leaders see them- cratic institutions? account of the incident is as To convince you must persuade, The Hungarian government, selves as the high priests of The Russian writer Fyodor follows. Shortly after the begin- and to persuade you would which has increasingly shown intellectuality? Not many if you Dostoevsky once said, “The ning of the , need something that you lack: nationalistic and authoritarian judge by their agendas. Most degree of civilization in a soci- the rector (president) of the Uni- reason and righteousness in the tendencies, has signaled its dis- of them just try to deal with the ety can be judged by entering versity of , the cel- struggle.” comfort towards CEU through system by keeping low profiles its prisons.” Maybe it is time to ebrated writer and philosopher Unamuno, a conservative, legislation and by financing and trying to weather whatever ask the same question about our , gave a was fired the next day as the other activities that could be storms come their way. Others colleges and universities. speech during the opening cer- university president, received described as pseudoscience or feel comfortable by surrounding emonies for the academic year. numerous threats, and died on charlatanry. The CEU has been themselves with mediocre “yes Dr. Aldemaro Romero Jr. is a In it he mentioned José Rizal, December of that year while funded by Hungarian-American men” (or “yes women”), while writer and college professor with an intellectual and hero of the under house arrest. millionaire George Soros who is spending time attending foot- leadership experience in higher independence of the Philippine Fast forward to April of this seen as an enemy of the authori- ball games or social events. In education. He can be contacted islands, which until 1898 had year. Several days after Viktor tarian government, and now other words, they see their goal through his website at: http://www. been a Spanish colony. Orbán was elected for a third that university is planning to as keeping a job, not as pursu- aromerojr.net Stephenson House to host Pioneer Camp

For the Intelligencer The activities are built around candles, learning about sundi- camp is $85 per child; pre- The 1820 Col. Benjamin the interests for grades (cur- als then making one of your registration is required and Stephenson House is located The 1820 Col. Benjamin rent) 3rd through 5th. A vari- own, and making rope. These the camp fee is due at the time 409 S. Buchanan, Edwards- Stephenson House will host a ety of activities are planned to are just a few of the hands-on registration. A total of twelve ville, Il. For more information Pioneer Camp on June 13-15. give participants a taste of the activities campers experience spots are available. Partici- on registering a child for the Through hands-on history past, including making a sim- at Pioneer Camp. pates need to bring their own Pioneer Camp, call 618-692- activities the three day camp ple journal, writing with quill The camp will be held from packed lunches but snacks 1818 or stop by the museum will take children back-in-time and ink, doing laundry the 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost to and drinks will be provided Thursday-Saturday 10-4 p.m., to the early years of our state. old-fashioned way, dipping participate in the three-day by the site. Sunday 12-4 p.m.

Greitens gets some wins in legislature Expectant moms deal JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) “We knew what we had to do, to work with them,” Briden said. — Missouri lawmakers passed we knew there (were) distrac- Lawmakers within minutes of with hospital closure several items on Gov. Eric Gre- tions and we worked through it.” the mid-May annual session’s itens’ list of priorities this year, Greitens’ spokesman Parker end reconvened for a special KENNETT, Mo. (AP) — A hospital in neighboring even as legislative leaders called Briden called it a “very success- session to consider trying to The sudden closure of a Pemiscot County is taking for his resignation and prepared ful year” and said the admin- impeach Greitens, who faces hospital has left some expect- on the Kennett hospital’s for a special session to consider istration has been “cruising” trouble on multiple fronts. ant mothers in the Missouri OB-GYN and four other phy- impeaching him. through a list of specific policy While a St. Louis prosecutor Bootheel region scrambling sicians. But that hospital is But top lawmakers said they goals outlined at the start of earlier this month dropped a for care in an area that struggling to stay afloat, too. didn’t pay much attention to the governor’s first term in felony invasion-of-privacy case already has one of the highest Dr. Nelson Perez has been Greitens’ agenda and chalked office last year. When asked against him related to a 2015 infant mortality rates in the the only full-time OB-GYN up any legislative victories for about lawmakers’ chilly take on extramarital affair, the case U.S. at the Kennett hospital for the governor to shared priori- the passage of the governor’s has been referred to a special St. Louis Public Radio several years. He said he ties between the Republican-led agenda items, he said the two prosecutor for reconsideration. reports that Twin Rivers typically delivers around 400 Legislature and the Republican branches were able to work The grand jury indictment dealt Regional Medical Center in babies each year — about 100 governor. together productively at times with allegations that Greitens Kennett recently announced more than a typical OB-GYN. “The budget and the legisla- throughout the session. took an at least partially nude that it will close in July. The When the hospital closes, his tion passed and discussed was “Our main goal every single photograph of the woman he closure will leave the sur- practice will close. the Senate and the House’s legis- day is just to get good things was having an affair with and rounding area in southeast “I got carpal tunnel in my lation and budget,” Senate Presi- done, and where those goals threatened to release it if she Missouri without an OB- hands,” Perez said. “I guess dent Pro Tem Ron Richard said. align, we’re really glad to be able spoke about their encounter. GYN. after all those deliveries.”

EHS teachers Cara Lane and EHS Keith Baker switched off on announcing the graduates. Those graduating in the Continued from Page A1 top 10 percent of the class were: Kennison Adams, Dane be revolutionary and be Aerne-Moore, Parker Allen, kind.” Ezri Beckmann, Grant Berk- Senior Class President bigler, Lucas Clayton, Anna Joseph Paolucci spoke along Conner, Grace Desse, Jared similar lines, saying that it is Engeman, Akbar Fidahus- up to him and his classmates sain, Zak Francis, Grant Gill, to make sure their tomorrows Kayla Gluntz, Luke Goeckner, keep getting better. Meghan Gornak Kirsten Hal- “I know that the Class of verson, Jessica Harris, Wil- 2018 is going to change the liam Hengehold, Anna Hicks, world but I want to remind Lindsey Hohlt, Austin Huang, you that changing the world Sarah Jobe, Alyssa Johnson, is not an unattainable goal,” Aaron Keune, Darren Kirsch, he said. “It’s a simple goal just Sydney Kolngsberg, Griffin like being yourself and being Kraut, Matthew Lawhead, kind to each and every person Emma Lazerson, Alexander you come into contact with. Ligman, Robin Ruo-Bing Luo, Changing that one person’s Ben Manibusan, Christian day or attitude, that changes Meinzen, Andrew Meng, their world and that’s how Joshua Myung, Nicolas Nel- you change the world. Bill Tucker/Intelligencer son, Blake Neville, Jason Pan, Paolucci concluded by The colors are presented as EHS Class of 2018 Salutatorian Andrew Meng leads the “Pledge Amber Pocuca, Logan Pursell, saluting the class and its four of Allegiance” during Saturday’s graduation ceremony at Edwardsville High School. Hannah Reed-Elliott, Fran- years at EHS while making a cesco Romano, Justin Schulz, prediction for the future. Class Salutatorian Andrew “The Star Spangled Banner.” tive Marcus Kwasa, who has Amber Schwertman, Ryan “These last four years have Meng led those assembled Others who spoke were raised awareness of mental Shurstrin, Katelyn Singh, been the absolute best but I in the “Pledge of Allegiance” District 7 Board of Education health issues and was recog- Emilie Sparrow, Hailey Spone- know for all of you, the best is while the senior members of President Monica Laurent, nized earlier this year by the man, Dean Stuart, Matthew yet to come,” he said. the EHS Chamber Singers led and senior class representa- Edwardsville City Council. Swanson and Amal Tamari.

The final $2 Tuesday movie stars Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter Canal said. That movie features ney,” released in 1991. WildEy for June is “Bill and Ted’s Excel- and George Carlin. Reeves and Winter again (Carlin Tickets are available the night lent Adventure,” one of the “They just announced they died in 2008). of each movie. Cash or checks original slacker movies and were shooting the third one The second movie in the series are accepted. Debit and credit Continued from Page A1 something of a cult classic. It (“Bill and Ted Face the Music”),” was “Bill and Ted’s Bogus Jour- cards are not.