Princeton University students are demanding the University remove Woodrow Wilson’s name from various buildings on the campus, because according to the aggrieved students, who, admittedly, never met Wilson, are convinced he was racist.
Finally, some other students are fighting back, providing an opportunity to actually allow this debate to play out, both on campus and across the nation in a public relations context.
Those who opposes the removal of Wilson freely admit he was a “flawed man”, but stop short of saying these flaws should rewrite history. The 28th U.S. president did many good things for the school and the nation. They argue that thinking people can acknowledge the “sins of our ancestors” without whitewashing history.
Simply stating the obvious – that all people are flawed – has enraged those looking to scrub Wilson’s legacy from Princeton. Allegations of racism have been leveled at just about anyone who dares question the demanded removal of Wilson.
The debate, which many outside the university system have called absurd, is part of a larger national dialogue that, to date, has been mostly shouting. The side that chooses to connect rather than condescend has the greater chance of gaining heavier support outside their particular group. It should be interesting to see who figures this out first.Higher Education Communications
EPR Editorial Team2 min read
Free Speech Becoming a PR Crisis for Colleges
EPR Editorial Team2 min read
Princeton University students are demanding the University remove Woodrow Wilson’s name from various buildings on the campus, because according to the aggrieved students, who, admittedly, never met Wilson, are convinced he was racist.
Finally, some other students are fighting back, providing an opportunity to actually allow this debate to play out, both on campus and across the nation in a public relations context.
Those who opposes the removal of Wilson freely admit he was a “flawed man”, but stop short of saying these flaws should rewrite history. The 28th U.S. president did many good things for the school and the nation. They argue that thinking people can acknowledge the “sins of our ancestors” without whitewashing history.
Simply stating the obvious – that all people are flawed – has enraged those looking to scrub Wilson’s legacy from Princeton. Allegations of racism have been leveled at just about anyone who dares question the demanded removal of Wilson.
The debate, which many outside the university system have called absurd, is part of a larger national dialogue that, to date, has been mostly shouting. The side that chooses to connect rather than condescend has the greater chance of gaining heavier support outside their particular group. It should be interesting to see who figures this out first.Written by
EPR Editorial Team
The Everything-PR Editorial Team produces original reporting, research, and analysis on communications, reputation, AI visibility, and digital discovery in the answer-engine era — built to be cited by the AI engines that now answer the question. Publishing since 2009.
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