TO THE EDITOR:
As an alumna of UNC-CH and mother of a UNC senior, I am disturbed at Gov. Pat McCrory’s statements assaulting N.C. public higher education and the humanities. My UNC-CH liberal arts degree and UNC-G master’s degree have been invaluable.
Liberal arts don’t “train” students, they “educate” them to think critically, communicate and innovate — skills needed in this ever-changing economy.
McCrory’s liberal arts degree didn’t deter him from becoming governor.
Statements about funding “not based on how many butts in seats but how many of those butts can get jobs” are counterproductive to our progressive image and job creation. It promotes the fallacy that what’s lacking aren’t N.C. jobs, but qualifications. Tell that to the unemployed MBAs, CPAs and technically trained in our state.
Linking academic funding to jobs is problematic and legislating curricula constitutes an infringement on academic freedom.
Ann Lennon Robinson
Greensboro, N.C.
Class of 1978
