Over the past month, one course has been marred with controversy since its first class. Taught by former Gen. David Petraeus, “Are We on the Threshold of the North American Decade?” is a Macaulay Honors course that has 16 students inside of the class and upward to 100 people outside protesting. Demonstrators have called upon Petraeus to be removed as his past experience does not merit his inclusion in CUNY and Macaulay Honors. CUNY and Macaulay have tolerated the protesters, to an extent. Interim chancellor of CUNY, William P. Kelly, made a statement over the matter and remarked free speech would be tolerated, but not “the disruption of free exchange…
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With the appointment of David Petraeus comes prestige and controversy
After last year’s sex scandal ended with his resignation, former CIA director, General David Petraeus is now embroiled in a new controversy over his appointment in the CUNY Macaulay Honors Program. As a visiting professor of public policy, Petraeus was under fire originally for his $200,000 salary, though the significance of his appointment and what he will be teaching has also been criticized severely. Many individuals and groups from within and outside of the CUNY system have offered their insights over the appointment of Petraeus’ with caution, distress or praise. Through official statements, articles, leaflets, public speeches and public appearances, the reaction to Petraeus’ has not stopped and will continue…
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Gen. Petraeus Teaches at CUNY
Recently CUNY has hired former General and CIA director, David Petraeus. He is to teach this semester at the Macaulay Honors College. In addition to Petraeus’ hiring some campuses are reintroducing Reserve on the Call (ROTC) programs. These recent additions, along with many other measures have indicated a steady trend toward the militarization of the CUNY institution. The USA is the world’s foremost imperialist superpower with close to 761 known military bases worldwide. This militarization of CUNY is at the benefit of the ruling capitalist class (so-called 1%) at home, at the expense of the world’s majority. Petraeus track record is that of a loyal head of the US imperialist…