A thread on that Katz op-ed.

Let’s leave aside the fact that writing for Q-llette (and heterodox etc) is an act to consciously affiliate oneself with a particular POV, one in which “reason” and “freedom of speech” are the highest of human achievements.

And let’s leave aside the fact that this same “logos-cult” refuses to acknowledge that individual or cultural subjectivity impact what we think reason is and what speech is for

Oh, let’s also leave aside how “freedom of speech” is rarely ever embraced by this crowd for its obligations (to think of speech consequences) or interrogated for its relationship to power (in this case white supremacy).

Let’s leave aside the fact that if not for proud pedigrees and PhDs this crowd would be a crew of debate me guys arguing over control of some seriously sketchy internet chat group

This "Princeton declaration of independence" is a masterclass in professional denial about the history of white supremacy in the US and its perpetuation in our institutions.

1.The worship of the declaration of independence without consideration of the context, cost, and human payment: independence declared while stealing a continent, engaging in genocide, and enslaving millions

2.The snide dog-whistling dismissal of the 1619 Project as "dogma"

3.Sneering inconsequential pedantry: “In 1776 there were “united States” but there was not yet the “United States””

4.Self-centered fragile whataboutism: ““black” has become “Black” while “white” remains “white.””

5.Paternalistic superiority:”… I support their right to speak as they see fit. But I am embarrassed for them”

6.The performance of logical analysis: numbered complaints!

7.Reductive essentialism: “Princeton professors—extra perks for no reason other than their pigmentation.” By saying this is just about skin color, JK denies the history and institutions that make skin color matter in this country

8.Again, wtf? “Not incidentally, if you believe anti-blackness to be foundational, it is not a stretch to imagine that you will teach the 1619 Project as dogma.”

9.Rhetoricalization of the Witherspoon statue: “Impossibility that anyone can pass a purity test”. Yes, people should be judged in their historical context. But we can choose not to honor them when our values have changed.

10.Calling a student group “terrorists” is racist and dangerous. It is not just beneath his institution's dignity, but it is harmful and hateful.

11.Willful ignorance 1: A faculty committee to judge faculty behavior, teaching, research, and publication? This is dangerous? We already have these. They are called tenure and promotion committees. They apply standards that are demonstrably racist, sexist etc.

12.Willful ignorance 2: Defunding campus police does not mean having no campus security and giving up on safety. This is another reductive, even stupid point.

13.“the height of arrogant privilege” is a hand-wringing op-ed which praises above all else the right to declare your independence of thought without accepting the responsibility that comes with your privilege: listening and learning from those whose lives you affect

I am embarrassed to share a field with someone so close-minded, defensive, and unkind.

As an addendum: this piece is likely a calculated attempt to create a backlash against Katz. It is a white identity grievance article looking to be policed so the author and his ilk can claim censorship and oppression.