Hamilton in the News

Peter Hinks, assistant professor of history, attended a three-day conference on slavery at Yale University. One of the goals of the conference was to debunk the myth that slavery did not occur in New England. According to Hinks, “at the time of the American Revolution about 5,000 Africans were enslaved in Connecticut.” Slavery was not abolished in Connecticut until 1848. He said, “the revolution gave the Africans the impetus to seek their freedom.”

Associate Professor of Sociology Mitchell Stevens was interviewed for a feature article about homeschooling families in the August 2002 issue of Better Homes and Gardens. Stevens, author of Kingdom of Children: Culture and Controversy in the Homeschooling Movement (2001) says, "Homeschooling provides intimate, individualized attention by an instructor who knows the child better than anyone else.These aren't fancy, fashionable ideas. This movement is built around things we all know work, but that we don't all do."

Associate Professor of Sociology Mitchell Stevens was interviewed in July for a segment about homeschooling that will air on Channel One News this fall. Channel One News is a daily televised 12-minute newscast that is beamed via satellite to 12,000 U.S. middle schools and high schools. Stevens spoke on camera with news anchor Errol Barnet. Stevens is the author of a book about homeschooling, Kingdom of Children: Culture and Controversy in the Homeschooling Movement (Princeton University Press, 2001).

Professor of Government Cheng Li attended a conference held by top Communist party officials at the People’s University in Beijing. The seminar, “Political Science and China in Transition,” represents a new awareness of political science and a way to strengthen party rule while modernizing it. Cheng Li was surprised by the openness of the conference.

Professor of Government and China expert Cheng Li was quoted in an article about the anticipated change in Chinese leadership. Li says “the scenario that still makes the most sense in terms of maintaining stability and Party prestige is Jiang [Zemin] and others of his generation retire from the powerful Politburo Standing Committee as planned and without incident.” Many have speculated that Jiang will keep his military job, or the Party post or both positions, when the elders in China’s political party retire in September or October.

William Monopoli, a 1971 graduate of Hamilton College, has been named publisher of The Times, a daily newspaper in Munster, Indiana. Monopoli has worked in newspapers from for more than two decades, most recently as president and publisher of the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin.

Government Professor Cheng Li comments on rumors that Jiang Zemin wants to stay on as the Communist party chief. The rumors are based on the state media campaign commending his plan to modernize the party as well as reports of private letters and circulars sent to Central Committee members commending his leadership. Li says, “many Central Committee members are not from Jiang’s support base of Shanghai and are unlikely to vote for him at the Congress.” He adds, “Jiang does not have the power to do what he wants. There are limits on his power. I think most people want him to go.” China’s leaders have an unwritten rule that they will not seek office after 70. Jiang is 75.

Hamilton alumnus, Binghamton native and board of trustee member Dick Couper '44 was the subject of an editorial in the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin (July 14, 2002). The editorial, "Couper deserves honor," cited Couper's recent recognition by the Oneida County Historical Society as a "Living Legend." The editorial notes, "This isn't just a case of local boy makes good. It's local boy makes good over and over and over."

Professor of Government and China expert Cheng Li comments on how Jiang Zemin will be remembered. Zemin will retire from politics later this year and hopes to leave his mark on history. Li said, “Mao was a God, Deng Xiaoping was a strong man, Jiang Zemin is a person who’s good at consensus building.”

Professor of Government Cheng Li is quoted in an article about China’s leaders and the role of Tsinghua University. “It will certainly continue to play a role in the new leadership,” Li said. He adds, “It will not be a vicious power struggle as in the past.” Hinting to a Tsinghua connection among the new political leaders. Common school ties may provide links between politicians who are divided for other reasons.