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New York University recently stirred things up a little in the academic world, at least as far as how schools might have to view animals and our relationship with them. The school announced the launch of an Animal Studies Initiative—"to support research and curriculum development in the emerging field of animal studies."
It was enabled in large part because of a $1 million gift from Brad Goldberg, a former portfolio manager and more recently, a dedicated animal advocate. I got in touch with him to learn a little more about why he did it, what goals are set for the program, etc.—and to strengthen the connection between animals and the environment, because that is often overlooked. Here's what he had to say.
Why do it? "It has always both amazed and perplexed me that considering how integral animals are to our society and everyday lives, that such study has been so neglected by academia. I can't speak for NYU, but I believe they probably felt much the same way and when the funding opportunity came available, it was a natural fit to move ahead with this program.
"I couldn't be more happy that NYU is the university launching this program. In addition to being an NYU alumni, I regard NYU as one of the leading universities in the world and to have them initiate this program will add credibility to the emerging Animal Studies field.
Goldberg said it's difficult to predict what lessons and skills students will acquire through this program because it's still in development and because the program is so broad—but that: "There are almost an endless number of potential courses that could be considered for the minor and each would offer a unique perspective on the overall subject of the role animals play in our culture, and how we interact and treat animals as a society.
What's the point? Is this an advocates-in-training curriculum? "I would hope that students who take advantage of this program would become more informed on the complex relationship between humans and animals and have a raised consciousness as to the need to improve the status of animals in our society. I also hope that NYU's leadership in launching this program will inspire other universities to develop similar initiatives so Animal Studies programs eventually become mainstream and as widely offered as, say, women's and gender studies programs are today.
What's the green connection? "Animals touch virtually every part of our culture and daily lives, and how animals are used by industry will be one of many areas that will be explored by the program. A perfect example is the role animal agriculture plays in climate change. Considering that animals raised for food production are one of the leading causes of greenhouse gas emsisions it is impossible to have a discussion on climate change without bringing the animal equation into the discussion.
More about animal rights:
Animal Rights Hall of Fame Inductee Zoe Weil Works Towards a Humane, Sustainable, and Healthy Society (Interview)
California Voters Say Yes to Animal Rights
Should Animals Have Their Own Legal Public Defenders?
