Why This Is Important

On April 5th, admission to the University of Pittsburgh’s graduate program in Classics was “suspended.” This represents a significant step back from one of the university’s oldest and most lasting commitments, from a subject to which so many others owe an immense debt. It was when speaking of the Greek and Latin classics that Thomas Jefferson said, “I thank on my knees him who directed my early education for having in my possession this rich source of delight.” Like the founders of this university, Jefferson would be unable to understand the administration’s decision.