Teach Critical Thinking, Not 'Mainstream Values'

To the editors:

I read with dismay President Lawrence H. Summers’ comments a few weeks ago suggesting that academic institutions adjust their views to incorporate “mainstream values” (News, “Summers Speaks Out on Patriotism,” Nov. 16).

As a high school history teacher I feel that it is my responsibility to teach critical thinking, not to adjust my thinking or that of my students to fit “mainstream values.” The goal of education is to give students the intellectual equipment to make their own judgments on the issues of the day.

While encouraging respect for all viewpoints, including those of the majority, is obviously appropriate in an academic setting, a strong implication of Summers’ remarks is that challenging mainstream views is inconsistent with patriotism. To the contrary, stifling views which question those of the majority serves neither democracy nor education.

Dorian Bowman

Cambridge, MA

Dec. 7, 2001