Universities: A Convenient Retirement

"It is possible that my retirement at this time might help to ensure the prospect of more normal university operations during the coming academic year." It was not only possible but probable that Grayson Kirk was indulging in understatement when he announced his retirement last week after 15 years as president of Columbia University. For as the start of the new term neared, Kirk's defenders and detractors alike agreed that if he remained on the job, his very presence would provide an excuse for continued controversy on the restless campus.

Since Kirk...

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