Sept. 2, 2025 8 AM PT
To the editor: Columnist LZ Granderson drives house an vital level typically misplaced in present discussions about some great benefits of an undergraduate faculty training (“College is expensive. And important. That’s why America has subsidized it for 246 years,” Aug. 29). That time is that the main focus of an undergraduate faculty training needs to be on studying expertise that assist college students broadly in life, no matter their profession selection. These expertise embody vital pondering, collaboration with others, publicity to a wide range of views and interpersonal communication expertise.
With the present emphasis on career-based training, it’s worthwhile to think about the advantages afforded by a liberal arts training that forces college students to ask questions, consider options and be artistic.
Significantly vital is Granderson’s reminder of the significance of training in a strong democracy, championed by our founding fathers. The political local weather we discover ourselves in might use extra residents who’re curious and open to a wide range of views.
Once I determined to return to highschool as a graduate pupil, whereas additionally working full-time, many individuals assumed I used to be doing so strictly for financial causes — to earn more cash and climb the company ladder. However for me, it was the prospect to resume that spark studying has all the time ignited in me and problem myself to think about new paths.
Erika Cilengir, Culver Metropolis
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To the editor: Reflecting on “training … as [Thomas] Jefferson typically wrote, [is] important to our democracy”: As a retired faculty professor, I perceive the objectives of our occupation — to allow college students to contribute to constructing democracy by way of their engagement in professions that assist variety, scientific inquiry and lifelong studying.
An previous axiom — {that a} faculty training is a ticket to a better-paying job — is not a assure. However the values of a thoughts that’s educated to be curious, reflective and analytical escape these whose perspective is grounded in monetary achieve. At present we see the democratic values of free speech, freedom of motion and participatory voting being eroded by authoritarian dictum. As an alternative of constructing communities, the observe has been constructing partitions, to exclude those that are usually not welcome right here due to their nationwide origin, race or coloration.
For these of us who worth training in any respect ranges, it’s incumbent on us to assist universities which are being investigated, penalized and defunded for causes which are unjustified. This isn’t the democracy that Jefferson and the opposite founders envisioned for a free nation. Maybe those that are being educated in our faculties right now may have the mental expertise and the bravado to cease the erosion of this democracy by the hands of the bullies and know-nothings who worth energy over scientific analysis and media presence over factual proof.
Lenore Navarro, Los Angeles
