EDUCATION BEYOND POLITICS
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Abigail Thernstrotn:
In principle I would promote public policies that
help sustain stable families. But we don't know how to put the inner–
city black family back together. I also have a question about national
standards, national exams. I'm for that in principle . But I'm concerned
that the zany multiculturalists will soon take over such exams and such a
curriculum.
Edith Kurzweil: I
think you all are correct. The only way we can suc–
ceed, it seems, would be to have some input at every level. In other
words, try and raise standards in elementary schools, from Head Start on
through high schools and into universities. And at the same time do
something, I don't know what, to change the drift. To call it family
morals sounds too simplistic. We need to have some kind of input there,
maybe by having a close look at some of the existing policies. But these
are real hot potatoes. We address abortion and welfare policies sepa–
rately, so that abortions are curtailed at the same time that we cut wel–
fare payments, thereby increasing the number of children born to kids of
fourteen and sixteen. I don't have a solution, but we must realize that
these issues count and that we cannot prohibit sexual intercourse . So we
get into the whole mess of condoms or no condoms, for instance. There
are so many problems. I don 't think anyone of us knows exactly what
to do. But I think we have
to
look at the situation in some kind of
total way, as well as in particular ways.
Roger
Kitnball:
Mr. Woodward, I agree completely with your char–
acterization of what would be desirable. Unfortunately, the situation you
sketched cannot be obtained now. The university is widely regarded as a
political institution. The question is, what can we do to change it? I also
agree with what Jean said. I wish that we could bolster the family and
improve social conditions, but I'll leave that to one side for a moment.
It
seems to be beyond the purview of the culture of the university, to–
day's topic, even if it stands in the background. Perhaps conferences like
this are a good idea . Certainly writing and speaking in as prominent
places as possible is a good idea. Also trying to inform the alumni of
universities about what's going on, contacting parents - many of whom
pay exorbitant fees to keep their kids in the classroom - and telling them
what's actually happening. These are small but effective public relations
efforts. It's a public relations battle for the moral high ground. What we
need to do is find strategies to inform those people who really are con–
cemed in the universities.
Williatn
Phillips :
Does anyone know anything about the trustees? Are
they reachable?
