(The Political Theory Project at Brown was started by John Tomasi in 2003, at the prompting of two students from opposite political perspectives. It has hosted the Janus Lecture Series, which hosted events with two speakers with opposing politics (and was named for the two-faced Roman God), and brought a heterodox group of Professors, Lecturers, and Post-Docs to Brown.
This short piece is in response to the following news item in the Brown Daily Herald: https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2021/12/center-for-philosophy-politics-and-economics-proposal-discussed-at-faculty-meeting, and in particular Seth Rockman’s charge that the Political Theory Project is insufficiently dedicated to Brown’s goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion).
The Political Theory Project is absolutely committed to diversity. It promotes diversity of thought, which is otherwise somewhat lacking at Brown University. It is genuinely committed to that value. Its affiliates are politically heterodox. Its (soon to be former) Director, John Tomasi, has been 100% committed to all students, regardless of race, gender, creed, and anything else, encouraging their willingness and eagerness to learn, engage in debate, and help us move forward collectively towards a better society for all. That is likely the most important inclusive act. If not all students and professors accept the diversity, equity and inclusion that are acceptable to Seth Rockman, that's probably a good thing. If we all thought like one particular person, Seth Rockman, John Tomasi, or anyone, we'd be an incredibly boring, monotonous, dogmatic society. The PTP is dedicated to wide and inclusive political discourse and achieving a fairer and freer society where individuals are accorded the respect they deserve. What is Seth Rockman's (and that of those who agree with him) problem?? I don't agree with John Tomasi, or anyone in the PTP, about everything, but isn't that part of the deal at a university? I echo President Paxson and Provost Locke: the PTP will contribute greatly to viewpoint diversity and decrease polarization. Becoming a full-fledged center should reduce their dependence on outside funding, or need to charge a fee for participation in a reading group affiliated with their organization. Allowing the PTP to pursue their mission with more resources, therefore, can only be a good thing for Brown University and all the members of its community.