Academia’s self-sabotage and more: Letters to the Editor — Dec. 17, 2023

Harvard President Claudine Gay will remain president following her comments last week at a congressional hearing on antisemitism. AP

DEI disaster

The increased scrutiny on universities and their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives is warranted, but more needs to be done (“House votes to condemn college presidents after antisemitism ‘failure,’ ” Dec. 13).

As someone who has returned to graduate school at an elite university after having received my last degree 30 years ago, the university coursework and education are virtually unrecognizable to me.

Thirty years ago, a final course assignment might entail writing a paper supporting one’s point of view on a particular topic, with all viewpoints welcome. Today, a typical paper would explore an area of social justice that is relevant to the K-12 educational system, for instance.

When you consider current DEI initiatives and the progressive concept that education requires activism, it is not hard to see how antisemitism, ignorance, and unrest have spread on campuses.

Eileen Corr, Brewster, Mass.

Delete Tinder

New York’s dating scene may call for a major change in approach (“New York really is the worst place to be single — I know from experience,” Rikki Schlott, Dec. 11).

If an individual is looking to find that special someone and build a lasting, romantic relationship, it might be best to refrain from using apps.

Dating is complex, but simply meeting people under normal social circumstances can be a worthwhile first step.

Casual public events, church, and volunteer groups afford low-key, low-cost opportunities for meeting others and establishing nurturing friendships. Who knows? A partner or spouse could first be a best friend.
These are just the musings of a 70-something-year-old “geezer.”

Vincent Ruggiero, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Poetic justice

Fines and jail sentences don’t faze New York slumlords (“King of ‘slumlords,’ ” Dec. 14).

Landlords convicted of enough violations should get sentenced to live in those buildings. They could have breaks, but only for medical appointments and religious services.

Slumlords might be incentivized to keep their properties up to code, if they knew that they might one day be forced to dwell in them.

Paul L. Newman, Merion Station, Penn.

Battle of ideas

I have the utmost respect for the Moynihan family’s contributions to our political culture, including the long and necessary fight against antisemitism (“Name in Vain,” Maura Moynihan, Dec. 12).

But I thoroughly disagree with the idea that the best way to fight this battle is to silence others. Punishing thoughts and beliefs only drives the hatred underground, to closed doors and echo chambers.

Far better to fight such ideas in the open, where those who espouse them can be exposed and countered. I do not think Daniel Patrick Moynihan, would have shied away from such a battle of ideas.

Bruce McMenemy, Sanford, Fla.

Hanukkah facts

There’s an obvious reason why the Democrats’ mascot is a donkey: Only a jackass like Second Gentlemen Douglas Emhoff could mangle the story of Hanukkah (“2nd gent’s Hanukkah blunder,” Dec. 13).

The Jews never cowered in a cave; they defeated their enemies. Today, American Jews like me — who strive to make “Never Again” more than just a slogan — carry on that tradition.

Jeffrey Levy, Brooklyn

Want to weigh in on today’s stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to [email protected]. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.