Condoleezza Rice has trashed the basic values of academia: reason, science, expertise, and honesty

September 1, 2007
Condoleezza Rice has trashed the basic values of academia: reason, science, expertise, and honesty

On May 25, Stanford University's independent student newspaper, The Stanford Daily, devoted the bulk of its front page to the university's former provost, who is on leave while she serves out her term as secretary of state. "Condi Eyes Return," read the headline, "but in What Role?"

Within hours, the letters to the editor started coming in. "Condoleezza Rice serves an administration that has trashed the basic values of academia: reason, science, expertise, and honesty. Stanford should not welcome her back," Don Ornstein, an emeritus professor of mathematics, wrote in a letter published on May 31.