The Chronicle: Colloquy: The question

THE QUESTION

In recent weeks, a very public dispute has broken out over the future of Harvard University's black-studies program. Several of its star professors -- including Cornel West -- have threatened to leave for Princeton University, in part because of a meeting in the fall between Lawrence Summers, Harvard's new president, and Mr. West. Accounts of the meeting differ, but Mr. West says that Mr. Summers raised questions about a hip-hop CD that the professor recorded, his work for Al Sharpton, grade inflation in Mr. West's classes, and whether he should be spending more time on serious scholarship. Mr. West and his supporters argue that Mr. Summers was insulting in raising such questions, and that a tenured professor of Mr. West's caliber should not have to defend some nontraditional scholarly activities. But some Harvard professors are applauding Mr. Summers, saying that the issues were relevant and entirely appropriate ones for a university president to raise. Was it appropriate for Mr. Summers to raise such issues? What is the significance of the Harvard dispute for the future of black studies in academe? What impact would the breakup of Harvard's program have on black studies?

For further information, see this background article:

Battle of Wills at Harvard (1/18/2002)

: 49 RESPONSES (New 3/11

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