At first glance, the headline in the Chronicle of Higher Education might seem alarming: “Texas A&M Bans Plato Excerpt from a Philosophy Course” (January 7th online).
But Tommy Williams, Interim President of the school, disagrees: “Everyone needs to calm down. This is not about Plato or race or gender ideology, and it never has been. It’s about the fact that this is Texas, and the typical policymaker or high-level college administrator in our state can’t tell the difference between a bowl of refried beans and a bucket of cow turds. I’m talking about a level of stupid that has to be seen to be believed. I should know, having served in the Texas legislature for over 16 years and in the role of Texas A&M’s President. Hell, we couldn’t distinguish between Plato and Play-Doh if our lives depended on it. Trust me.
“Here at Texas A&M, we’re all about football, not Philosophy courses. This season the Aggies went 11-2 and made the playoffs; we’re not looking back. If it’s Plato you want, try the Roasted Lamb Bowl at Wild Pita on Wellborn Road. I’m told it’s pretty Greeky.”