Context
On April 13, 2024, UNCG hosted its annual Science Everywhere event, a part of North Carolina's Science Festival. My protest booth entitled Paradoxes & Contradictions was only one of few to highlight the recent cuts. I explained the two notions to participants and exemplified a contradiction with a game of hopscotch, as depicted by the image above, pointed participants to this website, and explained the points below. Experts in CAT(0) cube complexes will recognize that this square complex is not special. Unfortunately, what is happening at UNCG is also not special.
THIS IS A PROTEST
On February 1, 2024, Chancellor Gilliam announced that he approved over 20 program closures, including all Physics programs and all graduate programs in Mathematics. Why are these programs being cut? The mathematical notion of a contradiction can be used to deduce that, this paradoxical action was NOT performed for any of the stated reasons.
What is a contradiction in mathematics?
In math, a contradiction is deduced when we find that something is both TRUE and FALSE.
Example: This statement is false.
If we assume that the above is TRUE then we are led to deduce it is FALSE. Also, if we assume it is FALSE then we are led to deduce it is TRUE. The simultaneous validity of TRUE and FALSE make this statement a Paradox.
Why were the programs closed?
The main stated reason was due to financial hardship.
An independent report found that UNCG was in solid financial shape.
To better align the UNCG academic portfolio with student demand and workforce needs.
The graduate programs in Math at UNCG have been both successful in recruitment and placement of our graduates, many go in to teaching, research, and industry jobs in NC.
And others ...
Impact on the Triad & NC
Decreased access to post-secondary STEM education, especially by our student body (UNCG is a Title IX, minority serving insitution whose student body is mostly women)
With AI looming, mathematical professions are slated to be one of the last to be impacted by AI
Shrinking UNCG means shrinking its financial contribution to the region
For more information:
Something I wrote (~500 words)
UNCG Scrubbed its website from mentions of this flawed process. This website hosts a record and updates.
What can you do?
The UNC Board of Governors will meet next week. Contact them to express you concern and disapproval.
Email: public@bog.northcarolina.edu
Public Comment Submision (through 5 p.m. April 18, 2024)
Contact your legislators: