A forced relationship with Apple?

The Wall St. Journal has picked up on what appears to be a growing controversy: Colleges requiring students to own iPhones and iPods. At least one college in St. Paul is requiring it so that students can download lectures. Notetaking is so old-school.

The purchase was — is — to be covered by financial aid. But in Missouri, it’s rubbing some of the kids the wrong way, according to a WSJ blog :

But some students felt that they were being cajoled by the school into “an unnecessary and expensive relationship with Apple” that “comprises journalistic integrity,” according to a Facebook group called “Rotten Apple” that was launched by student Elizabeth Eberlin. At the time this story was written, only 37 students had joined, and after the administration clarified that Apple products weren’t actually required, she backpedaled, writing, “I was just worried that students were being forced into a brand, that no matter what percent of the market it really is, is not a good fit for everyone, especially those who are low income but have no subsidies.”