(March 14) The Campus: "The Meaning of Political Correctness at Middlebury"

This is the first op/ed in response to Middlebury's new sexual harassment policy in 1991, which included harassment based on sexuality. This article discusses the merits of intellectual freedom, censorship, and political correctness at Middlebury. O'Neil argues against the idea of political correctness, the idea that "negative comments concerning sexual orientation" is sexual harassment, and the possible "Cherishing the Earth" mandatory course that was being discussed at the time. He argues for the fraternity system at Middlebury, which he believes is under attack. O'Neil also harshly critiques the administration/"Old Chapel Regime" as well as the faculty, and states that "the time has arrived for the Board of Trustees to seize authority from their ridiculous subordinates and to assume direction of the corporation." Here is the article from The Campus' archives, as well as photos of the article as it was originally printed.

Daniel E. O’Neil

March 14, 1991