Palm Court Podcast

From New Jersey Farm to Montessori School to the Supreme Court with Charter Class Member Fay CLayton

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In this episode of the Palm Court Podcast, hosts Mike Palmer, Grant Balfour, and Megan Cytron interview Fay Clayton, a member of New College's charter class of 1964. Clayton shares her experiences as a pioneering student, her connections to the college through her family, and her journey from a farm in New Jersey to becoming a prominent litigator. She reflects on the unique educational environment of New College, its impact on her and her family, and her notable legal career, including her work with the National Organization for Women on landmark cases. Clayton also comments on the current challenges faced by New College and expresses hope for its future.


NOTES:

  • “Three years was standard”: The original system had no summer breaks, although students were also allowed to take as long as they wanted. 
  • “Each student was responsible…”: Academic freedom extended to faculty as well as students, within certain broad guidelines. 
  • Ted Held’s hitchhiking to the charter class became a low-key legend. (This article also mentions I.M. Pei and the finite architectural investment in campus buildings.)
  • Arnold J. Toynbee was a renowned historian and classicist. 
  • Clayton’s nipple-preference thesis can be read here. 
  • The idea of applying Montessori principles to higher education is a perennial one. 
  • Andrew Doyle’s first month-long course earned him $10,000 per week; his second, a story in The Guardian. 
  • The current clash over the ever-expanding core curriculum flies in the face of the original, highly successful concept of curious students choosing what to study in depth. 
  • Clayton has her own page on C-Span thanks to her work toward the FACE Act.
  • A 1994 Chicago Tribune profile ran under the headline “Now Is She a Household Name?”
  • Clayton did ultimately become partner and, to some, a hero. 



    • TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Welcome to the Palm Court Podcast

    00:37 Meet Fay Clayton: A Charter Class Pioneer

    02:13 Life at New College: Early Experiences

    03:50 Academic Adventures and Friendships

    06:46 From Farm Life to New College

    09:01 Dorm Life and Campus Culture

    13:09 Professional Journey: From Montessori to Law

    19:16 A Litigator's Journey: Early Career and Pro Bono Work

    21:08 Landmark Cases: Fighting for Civil Rights and Women's Rights

    22:15 Supreme Court Battles and Legal Triumphs

    25:26 Reflections on New College and Its Challenges

    29:26 The Future of New College: Hopes and Concerns

    34:25 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts

    ...more
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    Palm Court PodcastBy Palmer Media