Many commentators have lamented the sad state of the sexual mores of American campus life. But to their credit, two Princeton professors, Robert George and John Londregan, have not only diagnosed the problem well, they have put forward some constructive ideas.

They note the problem:

“[U]niversity health centers and residential advising programs typically provide assistance on body-image and eating disorders, binge drinking and alcohol abuse, and sexual health and sexual harassment.

“Conspicuously absent, however, are centers or programs offering meaningful support for students who desire to live chastely. ‘Sexual health’ offices do not supply the need because staff members see their roles, not as promoting self-discipline and high moral standards, but as providing ‘non-judgmental’ advice about how to have sex while avoiding pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases and infections.”

Their proposal:

“To help to come to terms with these problems, some thoughtful and concerned students at Princeton and other universities have proposed the establishment of centers on campus to support students who seek to lead lives of moral integrity and decency. We are sure that alumni and friends would step forward with financial support to make such ‘Love and Fidelity Centers’ possible. 

It’s an intriguing idea, definitely worth a closer look. Read the rest of the article for more insights.

It turns out that Liddy Dole’s Law has had made college one big drinking binge.

For once in my life, I’m on the side of the college presidents!

From our press shop:

Republican presidential candidate John McCain lambasted Democrat Barack Obama at the NAACP Convention for refusing to support scholarships for low-income students, singling out Obama’s refusal to help kids in the nation’s capital.

“In remarks to the American Federation of Teachers last weekend, Senator Obama dismissed public support for private school vouchers for low-income Americans as, ‘tired rhetoric about vouchers and school choice.’ All of that went over well with the teachers union, but where does it leave families and their children who are stuck in failing schools?” asked McCain. “No entrenched bureaucracy or union should deny parents that choice and children that opportunity.”

Education Secretary Margaret Spellings writes persuasively in the Washington Post to save the DC voucher plan:

The program has clearly filled a need. Evidence does not just appear on a chart. It is visible in the long lines of parents waiting to participate. More than 7,000 students have applied for scholarships. Eligible applicants represent nearly one in eight low-income District students.

With demand so high, it is dismaying that critics, including some members of Congress, would seek to dismantle the program. Some claim that vouchers are unconstitutional; the Supreme Court, however, ruled otherwise years ago. Others argue that local funds should not be diverted to private schools. But the $74 million for the three-sector strategy comes from federal funds — money that the District would otherwise not receive.

Washington’s Mayor Adrian Fenty and DC’s Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee both support the bill. Republican John McCain is an ethusiastic supporter of the voucher bill.

But Congressional Democrats and presidential nominee Barack Obama both oppose the bill. Which means the scholarship program’s days are numbered. And thousands of children will not have the resources they need to flee failing schools. 

Obama was open to education “change” back in February:

The Illinois Senator told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: “If there was any argument for vouchers, it was ‘Alright, let’s see if this experiment works,’ and if it does, then whatever my preconceptions, my attitude is you do what works for the kids,” the senator said. “I will not allow my predispositions to stand in the way of making sure that our kids can learn. We’re losing several generations of kids and something has to be done.”

But the teachers union got to him. Obama and Congressional Democrats are now ready to squash Opportunity Scholarships for kids in the nation’s capital. Read all about it our latest release.

We just sent out a release trumpeting Jindal’s school voucher plan for kids in New Orleans. We think he’d be an excellent runningmate for John McCain:

“A strong record of ethics and education reform is just what the doctor ordered to combat the perceptions of a lethargic, corrupt GOP that voters ousted from Congress in 2006,” said Brian Burch, President of Fidelis.

“With his ethics bill and education plan, Governor Jindal is blazing a trail for Republican reform in the Bayou,” said Burch.

“Adding Bobby Jindal to the ticket would reinforce John McCain’s strong message of reform and would convince independents that the GOP learned the lessons from 2006.”

There are other excellent reasons for selecting the Louisiana governor, Burch said.

“Jindal strong stance on life and marriage would solidify conservative support for the GOP ticket. As a Catholic, he would help McCain win a crucial voting bloc that Obama has had difficulty courting,” said Burch.

Make it happen, Johnny Mac!

The State Senate just passed a School Choice bill giving children in New Orleans a financial boost so they can afford to leave public schools. (Hat tip: The Corner)

Jindal for Veep!

UPDATE: There’s movement afoot to kill the DC voucher plan. I can’t say that it’s “unbelievable.” Sadly, it’s predictable.