This commentary is by Elena Botts. Elena is an artist and organizer of an experimental multimedia collective at Goddard as part of the school’s socially-engaged praxis.
I am writing to you today with deep concern about the future of Goddard College, an institution that holds a unique place in liberal higher education history and ethos. As a longstanding beacon of democracy, self-governance and academic rigor, Goddard faces unprecedented challenges that threaten its very essence.
Founded in 1938 as a response to the looming threat of fascism, Goddard College was envisioned as a radical experiment in higher education, fostering democratic ideals through interactive, self-directed learning.
Over the years, Goddard has remained true to its founding principles, providing students with a transformative educational experience that goes beyond traditional classroom settings. The institution fostered tight-knit communities where curiosity, creativity and social activism thrived.
In-person residencies are ultimately the foundation and crux of forming such communities of learning and change.
Students were not just learners but also active contributors to the development and maintenance of the campus itself. They participated in hands-on activities, including designing and constructing buildings, growing food, operating the school switchboard and even establishing their own fire department — the Goddard College Fire Department — equipped with its own truck for emergency responses.
The institution’s commitment to inclusive education led to the establishment of the Adult Degree Program by Evalyn Bates, providing opportunities for individuals who had been historically denied access to formal education. Through the Adult Degree Program, older learners could receive academic credit for their life experiences, ranging from managing household finances to engaging in independent study, thus democratizing the pursuit of knowledge and empowering marginalized communities.
Goddard’s dedication to social justice and activism transcended its campus boundaries, with students actively participating in pivotal movements such as the Civil Rights Movement, opposition to the Vietnam War, and advocacy for reproductive rights.
The college served as a nexus for progressive thought and action, hosting events like the 1970 Alternative Media Conference and aligning with environmental groups like the Institute for Social Ecology.
The institution’s alumni roster is full of trailblazers. Olympic gold medalist Tommie Smith, renowned for his iconic Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics, earned his master’s degree in social work from Goddard, utilizing the platform to deepen his understanding of systemic racism and social injustice. Notable figures such as Rachel Pollack, Murray Bookchin and Jerry Rubin contributed to Goddard’s intellectual and activist legacy, shaping discourse on literature, environmentalism and counterculture
Despite evolving educational trends and societal shifts, Goddard remained steadfast in its commitment to fostering intellectual exploration and social engagement.
The institution welcomed diverse perspectives and encouraged open dialogue, serving as a beacon for radicals, intellectuals and revolutionaries seeking an alternative educational experience. Yet, despite Goddard’s rich history and unwavering commitment to progressive education, the institution finds itself at a crossroads.
The administration’s mishandling of finances has plunged Goddard into a state of uncertainty, jeopardizing its future viability. Despite fervent efforts by students, staff and faculty to propose viable solutions, the administration remains unreceptive to dialogue, pushing forward with plans that threaten to undermine the very foundation of Goddard’s ethos
Moreover, there are disturbing indications that the administration is considering transitioning Goddard to an online-only format. If this is implemented, Goddard not only loses its soul as a residency-centered institution for the convening of innovative thinkers and artists, but it also could face legal action and financial ruin should it proceed with this ill-conceived strategy.
Tuition for online-only schools inherently holds lesser value and recent lawsuits against institutions like Hopkins University, which reduced tuition for online-only instruction during the Covid-19 pandemic, serve as a cautionary tale.
To jeopardize Goddard’s future is to deny countless individuals the opportunity to engage in transformative learning experiences that challenge conventional wisdom and inspire social change.
At the heart of Goddard’s philosophy is the concept of radical learner-centered pedagogy, where students are empowered to take charge of their own education. Rejecting traditional grading systems, Goddard encourages students to explore their passions and engage in critical thinking.
As a member of the Goddard community and an advocate for progressive education, I urge the administration to reconsider its stance and engage in meaningful dialogue with students, staff and faculty. Instead of succumbing to financial pressures, let us work together to explore sustainable solutions that uphold Goddard’s founding principles and ensure its continued success for years to come.
The fate of Goddard College is not just a matter of financial viability. It is a question of preserving our collective commitment to democracy, intellectual freedom and social justice.
Let us stand united in defense of Goddard’s ethos and history, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of a Goddard education.
Correction: due to an editing error, a previous version of this commentary included the wrong pronouns for Elena Botts in the italicized biography at the top of the piece.
