Defend the University, Defend Thomas Jefferson
The Issue
Dear President Sullivan,
After yet another round of pathetic attacks against the founder of the University of Virginia, we, the concerned alumni and friends of the University, write to express our disgust. We have had enough.
We have had enough of listening while our Alma Mater and the great man who established her, are torn down by ambitious “scholars” and bureaucrats supported and employed by the University. For generations Americans have admired the towering genius, the depth of spirit and the eloquent pen of Mr. Jefferson. Not only Americans admire him: all the world recognizes Mr. Jefferson’s unique and enduring contributions to humanity.
All, that is, except for a handful of pseudo-intellectuals skulking within Mr. Jefferson’s own University. Like vultures circling the Rotunda, they hope only to advance their careers by tearing down something greater than themselves. This selfish posture, if left unchecked, will ultimately put the University in a dangerously unstable position.
The University depends on its alumni-donors. These donors care deeply about the University and mourn the damage being done to its legacy. Many donors have already stopped or reduced their giving. Many more now direct their gifts to specific projects, putting pressure on the University’s general operating budget. How long can this continue? With a nationwide student-loan crisis looming, the realistic answer is, not for long.
Therefore, we, the concerned alumni and friends, demand the resignations of all professors and deans signatory to the recent letter slandering Mr. Jefferson and attacking President Sullivan for quoting his words. We further demand the immediate censure of the offending employees and a public statement by the University of Virginia in support of its founder.
If the above actions are not taken, the University will continue its uncertain course, held hostage by a band of opportunistic careerists. We take comfort in the fact that, regardless of final outcome, Mr. Jefferson will endure. The learned signatories may believe that by abolishing the memory of his words, their own vain scribblings might at last spark some small flame. In this, as in most things, they are mistaken: Mr. Jefferson’s words are immortal. No amount of calumny can drown out the echo of the greatest statement of an extraordinary age:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
And if those words offend them, perhaps these may prove more satisfactory:
“No sadder proof can be given by a man of his own littleness than disbelief in great men.”
The Issue
Dear President Sullivan,
After yet another round of pathetic attacks against the founder of the University of Virginia, we, the concerned alumni and friends of the University, write to express our disgust. We have had enough.
We have had enough of listening while our Alma Mater and the great man who established her, are torn down by ambitious “scholars” and bureaucrats supported and employed by the University. For generations Americans have admired the towering genius, the depth of spirit and the eloquent pen of Mr. Jefferson. Not only Americans admire him: all the world recognizes Mr. Jefferson’s unique and enduring contributions to humanity.
All, that is, except for a handful of pseudo-intellectuals skulking within Mr. Jefferson’s own University. Like vultures circling the Rotunda, they hope only to advance their careers by tearing down something greater than themselves. This selfish posture, if left unchecked, will ultimately put the University in a dangerously unstable position.
The University depends on its alumni-donors. These donors care deeply about the University and mourn the damage being done to its legacy. Many donors have already stopped or reduced their giving. Many more now direct their gifts to specific projects, putting pressure on the University’s general operating budget. How long can this continue? With a nationwide student-loan crisis looming, the realistic answer is, not for long.
Therefore, we, the concerned alumni and friends, demand the resignations of all professors and deans signatory to the recent letter slandering Mr. Jefferson and attacking President Sullivan for quoting his words. We further demand the immediate censure of the offending employees and a public statement by the University of Virginia in support of its founder.
If the above actions are not taken, the University will continue its uncertain course, held hostage by a band of opportunistic careerists. We take comfort in the fact that, regardless of final outcome, Mr. Jefferson will endure. The learned signatories may believe that by abolishing the memory of his words, their own vain scribblings might at last spark some small flame. In this, as in most things, they are mistaken: Mr. Jefferson’s words are immortal. No amount of calumny can drown out the echo of the greatest statement of an extraordinary age:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
And if those words offend them, perhaps these may prove more satisfactory:
“No sadder proof can be given by a man of his own littleness than disbelief in great men.”
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on November 17, 2016