Questions Over Proposed Curriculum at UNC-CH

The October 6 Independent features a spread about concerns by some UNC-CH faculty over planning funding provided by The Pope Foundation for a proposed new undergraduate program in Western civilization. The Pope Foundation provided a $25,000 grant to the College of Arts and Sciences. University officials told the paper the idea for the program was theirs, but according to the story, there is concern among some faculty, including Steve Wing, an associate professor of epidemiology and member of the Progressive Faculty Network. “So, although on one hand there was an attempt by committee members to distance themselves from the Popes, their center and their politics, on the other hand it seemed clear that the topic and form of the proposal were chosen with the Popes in mind. It’s very contradictory,” Wing told the paper. Art Pope explained that he would be disappointed if it is found to be controversial. “To me it’s a very positive step to be offering fellowships, research grants – that’s just all very positive for the university,” Pope told the paper.