Continuing Kinsey's legacy

In 1947, IU established the Kinsey Institute to research gender, sexuality and reproduction from an interdisciplinary angle. Fifty-eight years later, the decision to launch a similar multidisciplinary doctorate program in gender studies is proof that IU continues to challenge ordinarily accepted ideas.\nOn Nov. 4, the IU board of trustees approved an initiative to begin a Ph.D. program in gender studies. The program is scheduled to begin next fall, but still needs the final approval from the Indiana Commission of Higher Education.\nThat being said, we urge the commission to expediently endorse the program, but more importantly, we'd like to commend the University for its ingenious efforts in seeking to study the unstudied. \nAs a University, we must never complacently assume the programs we have and the classes that are currently being offered are sufficient. Leaving any field of study not explored is a grave mistake. And as university students, we should never be content with the educational status quo. Thus, we applaud Suzanna Walters, chair of the Department of Gender Studies, for taking the widely discussed proposal for a doctorate in gender studies and putting it into action. \nUnlike already existing doctorate programs in women's studies, IU's proposed gender studies doctorate will work across disciplines rather than focus solely on the social sciences or humanities. The gender studies department intends to work with scientists on campus to analyze gender from a variety of perspectives. Topics in gender studies can range from "gendered relations in workplaces and families, to HIV/AIDS prevention, to scientific and media representations of bodies," Helen Gremillion, an associate professor of gender studies, told the Indiana Daily Student ("IU to offer 1st gender studies Ph.D.," Tuesday). Her comments make it clear that gender studies is not only important in academia but also in society at large.\nIU seems to be taking the lead in gender studies on a national level. Research opportunities in the field are likely to multiply by implementing the doctorate program. We look forward to the potential prospects and prestige the program will bring to IU. Moreover, we hope, other universities will follow IU's lead. \nAmid the current chaos of the University administration, including a failed chancellor search and squabbles about President Herbert's ability to lead IU, it gives us hope for the future of the University to hear a bit of uplifting news regarding the true substance of a university -- academia.