Dear Gov. Walker,
The Wisconsin Idea is the embodiment of everything we Badgers hold dear about our beloved university. And while the removal of a phrase that has stood for more than a century may not mean much to you, it means a hell of a lot to us Badgers. It’s a commitment to serving the public and to extend our education beyond the confines of a classroom. Gov. Walker, your crass decision to remove the Wisconsin Idea from the UW’s mission statement, and instead replace it with a charge to meet Wisconsin’s workforce needs represents a step backward in UW-Madison’s legacy. It’s the exact move I would expect from a man who left college early, without graduating, to pursue the workforce. Governor, your personal actions reflect your views on college education: it should simply serve as a stepping stone to the workforce.
I’m not sure what I learned from professor Alfred McCoy in his Vietnam Wars class which can be applied to meet “Wisconsin’s workforce needs,” Governor. I do know, however, it was in that class I had an intense realization about how standing up against the establishment doesn’t always make you the bad guy. In fact, this campus has a long and proud tradition of standing up to the establishment. This tradition will continue on in the coming weeks to protest your actions. These actions are indicative of a man out of touch with his constituency.
The Wisconsin Idea is the idea that I can overhear two students in Grainger Hall talking about Chinese economic policy in Zambia then, later that day, walk across the street to the humanities building and hear one of those same students warm up with Janice Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart.” Will this student put both of these skills to use within Wisconsin’s workforce? Probably not. Does that make her pursuit of these skills worthless? Absolutely not. This Wisconsin Idea is that we can educate the best and most well-rounded students ready to tackle the pressing issues of the world, not just Wisconsin. Gov. Walker, your desire to make the university focus on “Wisconsin’s workforce needs” proves your narrow sightedness. You’re doing this university a disservice by seeking to limit our grasp. The education provided at this university goes well beyond “Wisconsin’s workforce needs” and is not carried out because it’s a “constitutional obligation.”
You’re out of touch and you’ve overstepped your bounds, Governor. Though I’m sure you’re already aware of this. Why else would you publish a highly controversial budget that still contains “drafting error[s]?” There is a serious disconnect between your actions and the desires of the people of Wisconsin and I suggest you figure it out soon, President Walker. Whoops. Drafting error.
Signed,
Cullen Voss
Proud Wisconsin Badger
Cullen is a senior majoring in history and political science. What’s your take on the new budget? We’d like to hear from you. Please send all feedback to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
