Universities must embrace difficult conversations about their past

First, let me say how much I applaud the efforts of the college to illuminate the historic context of the college and to elevate the work of under-recognized academics. It is also very important to bring a spotlight to the darker parts of our history. Your own public comments have been both brave and refreshing. Given the origins of the college in the 19th century it should be unsurprising that with a modern lens the activities and practices of many important individuals would not be acceptable in current times. With the progress of humanity, this is hopefully always true; our society advances and we become more civilized. It is critical that we learn and apply the lessons of the past to our current actions and use those lessons as a way to move society forward. In an institution focusing on the development of novel and new thought, rather than the research of past thought, sometimes the past is not considered or given enough time. I would applaud any actions taken to ensure current and future members of the college understand the context and sacrifice that enables them to enjoy and participate in the institution today. Sometimes I feel this dialogue is one-sided and no one is prepared to present an alternative perspective. That is not to defend the actions of those highlighted - they were individuals of their time and did participate in activities and postulate concepts we find reprehensible today. However, I think it is important to remember that typically these individuals while doing this appear to have had some redeeming features in their philanthropic work and their desire for a better world. There would be many more individuals who espoused these views or exploited others that did not carry our greater thought process forward or endow significant wealth to the betterment of society through education and research. By removing names and artifacts we do not change what happened we simply remove any visible reminder of these events and the legacy we have received from our forefathers - be they academics, benefactors, or exploited peoples. I strongly oppose the rewriting of our society because we find it unpalatable. We already live in a world that can deny so many palpable truths from the Holocaust to COVID and I fear the editing of our history is a terrible thing and one that a college dedicated to science should avoid. Tom H W Harper ’86