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letter[s88,jmc]		Open letter to Stanford freshmen

Timing is everything in this.  Be sure it's a freshman course.

Open letter to Stanford freshmen.

Dear Freshman:

	You are about to take the new course in ``Issues and Ideas'' that
has been adopted after extensive ``debate'' in the University generally
and in the Academic Senate of Stanford University.  The ``debate''
included demonstrations and accusations that a course in Western Culture
was racist and sexist.

	The new course is to be none of these, and it is to be monitored
by a committee whose composition is balanced.  Very likely, certain
expressions of opinion, historically part of Western civilization will be
omitted as unsuitable for your ears.  Certain other opinions will be
emphasized as matters that it is good for you and society for you to be
believe.

	On the final exam in this course it would be especially prudent to
be particularly careful to regurgitate the opinions that have been fed to
you.