Woodrow Wilson, Princeton and the “purge moment”

Guests: Trust Kupupika, Nathan Connolly, Jonathan Zimmerman

As president of Princeton, Woodrow Wilson is credited with guiding the university through its transition into one of the world’s renowned research institutions. His name and image has become ubiquitous around the campus.  But many current students aren’t so taken with Wilson.  During his U.S. presidency, his racist views sometimes bled into his policy initiatives, including resegregating portions of the federal government.  Today on Radio Times, we’ll discuss Wilson’s legacy as head of Princeton and as President and the implications of removing his name and likeness from campus institutions.  We’ll also discuss other similar efforts that have taken place in recent years, including the movement to remove Andrew Jackson from the $20 bill and the renaming of Mt. McKinley.  We’ll begin by talking with a member of the on-campus movement to address Wilson’s racist leanings, TRUST KUPUPIKA of the Black Justice League of Princeton University.  Then, we’ll talk with two history professors from New York University, JONATHAN ZIMMERMAN and NATHAN CONNOLLY, to get their takes on President Wilson and the controversy surrounding his veneration