Counterrevolution

When Robert Hutchins resigned as Chancellor of the University of Chicago in 1951, his successor was expected to make some changes. But no one expected Lawrence Kimpton to repeal Hutchins' revolutionary notion that a student could earn his bachelor's degree by the end of the traditional sophomore year. Then, two months ago, the university began to do just that: for its new B.S., Philosopher Kimpton set up a four-year program just "as in other colleges" (TIME, March 23). Last week the faculty Senate Council, which controls academic policy, made the job complete. Beginning in 1954, said the council, high-school graduates will normally have to study four years for a B.A.

To some Chicago men, the new ruling seemed nothing short of treason. Even before the council meeting, 1,300 students had signed a petition against any change, and some 300 paraded in front of the chancellor's house, bearing a banner with an old Hutchins slogan: "Too few have the courage of my convictions. R.M.H."

After the council's announcement, the protests grew even louder. F. Champion Ward, dean of the college and a staunch defender of the Hutchins degree, sent in his resignation (Kimpton turned it down). All nine members of the faculty policy committee, as well as the chairmen of eleven departments, begged the chancellor to reconsider the council's action, "taken after . . . consideration too brief for so grave a matter." The heads of all student organizations also protested, then summoned a student rally. All in all, it was like old times at Chicago--but with the revolution going the other way. Latest theme song of disgruntled students:

Wave the flag for new Chicago, True blue her loyal hue: Ever shall we have consensus 'Round Kimpton's point of view. With conformity to guide us, Without ideas we'll stand . . .

So wave again the dear old dollar, For our B.A. has been banned.

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