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Wednesday 4/18/2001
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Wednesday 4/18/2001
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 Rewards contradict University goalWhile I agree that the violence and the destruction that occurred after the loss of the Lady Boilers was wrong and should be punished, I object strongly to rewarding students who turn in their fellow students. Not only because the amount of the reward (up to $5,000) indicates that the University values my teaching as lowly as the removal of two "undesirable elements." But also because I consider that reward to be in direct contradiction to the educational mission of Purdue. The goal of education is larger than the acquisition of technical knowledge and skills, however useful; it is also to build character. Purdue rightly prides itself on its esprit de corps, its Boiler Pride, its sense of community — of Family, as the football ads have it. A sense of honor and of commitment to one's fellows is a valuable thing, something to take away from one's education and to keep for life. I ask you: is this reward to turn on one's fellows not contradictory to building character? Should we really encourage our students to become informants over this? I emphasize that I am not opposed to punishing wrongdoers. But I am very much disappointed that this University, which employs me to teach character as well as knowledge, thinks nothing of undermining its own education by encouraging students to turn against their fellow students. Maarten Rothman Graduate student |
Water safety should be left to individuals
Executions don't equal entertainment
Freedom results from responsibility Sources exist for international news China lacks diplomacy in situation Political comic reflects today's society Rewards contradict University goal Piano man must play classic song
OPINIONS DESK PHONE: Opinions editor:
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