Power Struggle at Shimer

Students and faculty members at Shimer College -- a small "great books" institution in Chicago -- are in an increasingly tense fight with the board and president, the Chicago Tribune reported. Shimer has historically delegated a great deal of authority to students and professors, many of whom were taken aback when the president fired the admissions director. Critics also bemoan the recent expansion of the board, which they say has attracted many conservatives. The administration and trustees say that their actions are designed to preserve the college's unique curriculum by putting the institution on solid financial ground.