Late Thursday, University of Delaware President Patrick Harker released on the school’s website a Message to the University of Delaware Community terminating the university’s ideological reeducation program, which FIRE condemned as an exercise in thought reform. He stated, “I have directed that the program be stopped immediately. No further activities under the current framework will be conducted.” Harker also called for a “full and broad-based review” of the program’s practices and purposes. While concerns remain about the University of Delaware’s commitment to free expression, FIRE commends President Harker for his decision to immediately terminate the Orwellian residence life education program. FIRE will have more on this development tomorrow.
Heads still need to roll, and that's not something I say lightly or often.
"Heads still need to roll, and that's not something I say lightly or often."
ReplyDeleteI think we should be hoping not Harker's, though. He just arrived at UDel a few months ago.
Maybe whoever was in charge of and/or initiated the program.
-Mark Roulo
It would be better to know that the program's budget is redistributed and program personnel terminated or re-assigned but clear repudiation is probably, in the overall scheme of things, even better.
ReplyDeleteIf proponents can't muster enough support to have the decision reversed then wherever there's a similar program, open season will be declared. If it's bringing this sort of "re-education" to an end nationally that's the aim, the clear repudiation without a "Larry Summers" ending is the way to do it.
Upon the recommendation of Vice President for Student Life Michael Gilbert and Director of Residence Life Kathleen Kerr