By April C. Armstrong *14

In this week’s installment of our recurring series, student activism is denounced, concerns over wardrobe choices are expressed, and more.

January 12, 1824—An editorial in Boston’s Commercial Gazette, reflecting on recent unrest at Princeton and student support for the Greek Revolution, urges college administrators to remain firm and inflexible, and to prevent organized group activism, whether to appealing to college administrators or politicians.

Anxious as we are for the success of Greeks in their sublime struggle with the most ferocious of tyrants and bigots, we do not like the idea of public donations to their cause from Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, or Tyros.

A student “should be restrained in all cases from public interference in public questions.”

January 14, 1881—Some students object to the way others dress—or don’t dress—to exercise:

Many of our devoted gymnasts are too religious in their adherence to what is implied in the word “gymnasium,” as traced to its classic origin from γυμνάσιον, a place for the naked to exercise. More clothing and less form might attract fewer visitors to the gallery, but would certainly be in stricter conformity with the eternal fitness of things.

January 15, 1937—A student calls for an end to “springers” (pop quizzes) on the basis that one might have prepared for class, but still perform poorly if the material was confusing. The student also objects to tough grading standards, on the basis that “the average Princeton student has a higher mentality than the average mentality of practically every college in the U. S. and an average grade in Princeton would be an honor grade in other U. S. colleges.”

January 18, 1902—Some students have been quarantined over fears of a smallpox outbreak, but probably are only infected with chicken pox, as the Princeton Alumni Weekly reports.

Did you read the previous installment in this series?

Fact check: We always strive for accuracy, but if you believe you see an error, please contact us.