At UChicago, Much Ado about ‘Whiteness’

Atroubling course is testing the University of Chicago’s commitment to academic freedom. Should the institution stand on principle? Yes. But the situation is complicated.

“The Problem of Whiteness” was designed by Professor Rebecca Journey and first offered last winter. When Journey relisted the course for the upcoming academic quarter, a UChicago student denounced her plans, engendering a string of death threats and harassment against her online. Though the university expressed support for Journey in a public statement, the professor voluntarily delayed the seminar, citing the need for “more time to implement appropriate safety measures.” Whether the class will now proceed is an open question, and a victory for the censors may well be at hand.

About the Author

Graham Hillard

Graham Hillard is a former English professor and the TV critic for the Washington Examiner magazine.

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Atroubling course is testing the University of Chicago’s commitment to academic freedom. Should the institution stand on principle? Yes. But the situation is complicated.

“The Problem of Whiteness” was designed by Professor Rebecca Journey and first offered last winter. When Journey relisted the course for the upcoming academic quarter, a UChicago student denounced her plans, engendering a string of death threats and harassment against her online. Though the university expressed support for Journey in a public statement, the professor voluntarily delayed the seminar, citing the need for “more time to implement appropriate safety measures.” Whether the class will now proceed is an open question, and a victory for the censors may well be at hand.