29 April 2010,

Dear Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors and Dean,

I’ve just found out that Middlesex University is planning to close its  Philosophy program. This is a bewilderingly stupid decision. For many  years, but particularly in the last decade, Middlesex has become a  Philosophy department of great distinction and innovation and a hub  for novel and cutting edge philosophical activity. I am chair of the  Philosophy department at the New School for Social Research in New  York. We have many graduate students and when they think of Philosophy  in the UK, they think of Middlesex and are reading work by members of  your faculty.

I would urge you to reconsider this decision. rather than closing a  successful program, you should be finding imaginative ways of  investing in it. It is a jewel in the crown of your University. If you  don’t realize that, then you’re clearly in the wrong line of work.

yours truly,
Simon Critchley.