The list of serial embarrassments reads like the suicides of Greek tragedy, where divine nemesis follows hubris. In this case, overweening intolerant ideology has sabotaged disinterested inquiry and meritocracy. Arrogance and sanctimoniousness lead Stanford to continue down this spiral—rather than pause, reflect, and redirect—and thereby only compound the public ridicule.

Stanford’s once-justified reputation for civility, transparency, tolerance, and professional ethics has been shredded before a global audience.

Given its hallowed history, and the university’s vital global role in cutting-edge research, medicine, and professional training, something has to change—before it is too late.

[It’s already too late. Be sure to see one sign of the collapse noted by Hanson — Stanford’s paid staff nearly outnumbers its students. Its bloat mirrors that of Academia in general, fueled by government incentives and rapid escalations in tuition cost. The only way to keep the gravy train going is to pander to the students, and that’s why the inmates are running the asylums in Academia these days, nearly literally. — Ed]