Claude Steele's "Whistling Vivaldi" is the summer book for the class of 2017. It was chosen with the intention of encouraging discussion of stereotypes and identity. Steele will visit Whitman to discuss his book on Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. in Cordiner Hall.

The electoral college robs 80 percent of the country of a chunk of what it means to be American. Shifting to a system of direct proportional awards of electoral votes is the best way to maintain and improve the integrity of American democracy.