2014 Articles

Report to the University Senate

Pollack, Robert; Moss-Salentijn, Letty

The document titled "Report to the Senate" dated February 24, 2014, authored by Robert Pollack and Letty Moss-Salentijn, addresses concerns from the Faculty Affairs Committee (FAC) at Columbia University. The report includes a letter sent to President Bollinger, reflecting on the emotional distress felt across the university community, particularly following recent political events. The letter draws analogies from dystopian literature, expressing a deep malaise affecting both students and faculty. The authors emphasize the need for the university to create spaces and opportunities for faculty and students to openly discuss their anxieties and challenges. They propose practical steps, such as creating a university website with resources and opening public spaces on campus for these critical discussions. The letter underscores the importance of fostering an environment where kindness and intelligence coexist, urging the administration to take action to support the well-being of the university community.