UMD should require ethics courses for all students; The Diamondback. February 26, 2018

Julian Savelski, The Diamondback; UMD should require ethics courses for all students

"Subjects such as math, science, the humanities and others are largely taught from first grade to freshman year of college. And yet children don't get a formal education in ethics, instead relying on a patchwork of parental lessons that usually end some time in high school.

Ethics is not less important than any other individual subject. If anything, it is more vital — everyone should exhibit integrity, but everyone doesn't necessarily need to learn calculus. That's why ethics should be taught in schools.

Ideally, this should happen from first grade and continue on through a child's education. Since this is obviously not the case, colleges should at least pick up the slack. At this university, degrees in most majors are awarded with no requirement to complete any sort of coursework in ethics. As this university rightfully seeks to raise its national profile, it can take the lead on this issue.

Mandating that every major institute an ethics course requirement for graduation would be a bold step in the right direction...

Julian Savelski is a junior government and politics and philosophy major. He can be reached at juliansavelski@gmail.com."