A Princeton University professor has raised concerns about the school’s recent decision to remove portraits of past chairmen from a scientific department. According to the professor, the university took down these portraits because they were all white men. This decision has sparked a debate about diversity and representation in academia.
In a conversation with journalist Christopher Rufo, the professor discussed broader issues of antisemitism and the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. He claimed that the university has adopted a "woke" stance and suggested that it has been "systemically racist" against certain groups, including whites, Jews, Asians, and Indians, while favoring others.
The professor explained that he had access to demographic data during his time as a search officer. He noted that about 70% of the faculty was white. He felt that the administration wanted the faculty to mirror the demographic makeup of the student body, which he believed was engineered by the university itself.
He also criticized university President Christopher Eisgruber for his inability to name conservative faculty members during a public discussion, suggesting that a climate of fear exists for conservative students and others who hold differing views.
The professor pointed out that the portraits of the former department chairs, who played significant roles in bringing black students to Princeton in the 1950s and 1960s, were removed without any public objection. He expressed frustration that the university disregarded this history simply because the portraits featured white faces.
In a strong statement, the professor called for accountability from the university, demanding that President Eisgruber testify before Congress regarding the university’s actions and policies. He believes that revealing internal communications would show illegal discrimination and hold the university accountable for its choices.
This incident has ignited discussions about how universities handle issues of race, representation, and the legacy of their faculty. The professor’s comments reflect a growing concern among some academics about the balance between promoting diversity and recognizing historical contributions.