Spring Break
Individual political views shouldn't influence Library
Brandon Brown
Issue date: 1/18/07 Section: Opinion
Although there are legitimate caveats and concerns about both the library and museum, it would appear that the key issue for most faculty is the Bush Institute. It is important, we think, to acknowledge that the Bush Institute will undoubtedly have a strong ideological orientation. However, the credibility and reputation of the Institute will be determined by the quality of the research and scholarship it promotes.
Moreover, only if the university and faculty concur can there be joint appointments or educational programs between the Institute and SMU. Most important, opposition to the real or imagined character of the Institute should not overshadow the more important issue of obtaining the Library.
We should be honored that SMU will have the opportunity to be a major documentary repository that will over time allow generations of scholars and their audiences to understand better the undeniably crucial years of the Bush presidency.
We hope that our colleagues throughout the university, as well as the scholars who come after us, will be in the forefront of those who provide enduring analysis and interpretation of the times in which we live.
The Bush Library will be of immeasurable help in making this possible.
About the writers:
James K. Hopkins is a professor and Chair of the SMU History Department. He can be reached at hopkins@smu.edu.
Dennis Ippolito is a professor and Chair of the SMU Political Science Department. He can be reached at ippolito@smu.edu.
Moreover, only if the university and faculty concur can there be joint appointments or educational programs between the Institute and SMU. Most important, opposition to the real or imagined character of the Institute should not overshadow the more important issue of obtaining the Library.
We should be honored that SMU will have the opportunity to be a major documentary repository that will over time allow generations of scholars and their audiences to understand better the undeniably crucial years of the Bush presidency.
We hope that our colleagues throughout the university, as well as the scholars who come after us, will be in the forefront of those who provide enduring analysis and interpretation of the times in which we live.
The Bush Library will be of immeasurable help in making this possible.
About the writers:
James K. Hopkins is a professor and Chair of the SMU History Department. He can be reached at hopkins@smu.edu.
Dennis Ippolito is a professor and Chair of the SMU Political Science Department. He can be reached at ippolito@smu.edu.
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