Edward Rothstein's Jan. 27 review in The New York Times of the new National Museum of American History's exhibit, "Slavery at Jefferson's Monticello: Paradox of Liberty," notes that American Indians, indentured servants and women need a separate historical examination than that offered by the Smithsonian exhibit, which is also opening at Monticello.
How I wish Mr. Jefferson's University of Virginia would heed Rothstein's advice. At the University, the study of American Indians does not receive, as Rothstein advises, "different qualifications and examinations"; far from it. There are no formal academic programs or degrees at the University devoted to American Indians. There are also no tenured faculty members who are American Indian.