Let’s cut right to the chase: The decision to cut the Swedish and Dutch programs from Cornell was a terrible one.

In case you’ve been living under a rock, Cornell’s Department of German Studies decided earlier this year to cut the Swedish and Dutch language programs to save some cash. Being that I am of Swedish descent, this was a mildly insulting and upsetting development. But beyond that, it seemed to be the dumbest decision Cornell has made in my time here — and I say that without exaggeration.

At the University of Texas, the importance of foreign language requirements came into debate recently. A proposal had been put forth that suggested the College of Liberal Arts reduce the foreign language requirement from 16 credits to 12. In a meeting to discuss the proposal, the faculty of the college was resolutely opposed to the resolution. Randy Diehl, the Dean of the college, sent an email to faculty, withdrawing the proposal. He stated, " "[i]n three and a half hours of give and take, not one audience member spoke in favor of the proposal.... In view of the overwhelming negative reaction to the proposal, I have decided to withdraw it from further consideration."

The traditional Swedish lawn game of kubb, complimentary apples and cookies, and Swedish music on the Arts Quad yesterday helped spark dialogue among faculty and students regarding the Dutch and Swedish programs, which are slated for termination by the end of this academic year.

This is the second article in a two-part series which focuses on Cornell’s decision to phase out language programs in an attempt to reduce the University’s budget.

The importance of writing skills, as exemplified by mandatory first-year writing seminars, has always been a constant emphasis at Cornell. However, English for Academic Purposes, which helps non-native speakers enhance their writing skills in the English language, will soon be eliminated due to the University’s across-the-board 5-percent budget cuts.

Correction Appended

This is the second article in a two-part series which focuses on Cornell’s decision to phase out language programs in an attempt to reduce the University’s budget.

This is the first in a two-part series which focuses on Cornell's decision to phase out smaller language programs in an attempt to reduce the University's budget.

“I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” Will Ezra Cornell’s famous motto be able to weather the current economic crisis? With the decision to terminate the Swedish and Dutch language programs by the summer of 2010, Cornell’s pledge may be under siege by a worldwide recession and a daunting budget shortfall on campus.