Dear Pitt News,

While I agree with the conclusion of your Feb. 23 editorial, namely that… Dear Pitt News,

While I agree with the conclusion of your Feb. 23 editorial, namely that college newspapers ought to be free from administrative censorship, I disagree with your characterization of college students as “customers” who purchase their education. This grossly misrepresents the aim of college education as well as the relation between students and faculty (and administration).

First, the ideal outcome of a college education is not a purchased product, but an educated human being. To conceive of college as an exercise in purchasing a diploma devalues the process, which is one that ideally involves the intellectual and moral development of the student.

Second, the idea that students are customers that are “always right” suggests that courtesy and consideration should flow primarily from faculty to students. “I’m paying for it,” so goes the thought, “therefore I can act how I please.” I suggest, on the contrary, that the obligations of courtesy, respect, and consideration between students and faculty are mutual.

You may be paying for your education, but you are not paying to be served your diploma.

Sincerely,

Jason Dickenson

Visiting Assistant Professor

Philosophy Department