March 05, 2006
Open Dialog Necessary for University Unification
When word hit the street that Lawrence Krauss had initiated the campaign to bring a vote of no confidence against the university president and provost, many, including myself, did not have enough information to formulate an opinion. Both sides released information, albeit only internally to staff and faculty. This didn't help matters because we were left with numerous groups that each had a different levels of knowledge. Students, especially, were kept in the dark. At the USG general assembly last Tuesday evening, there was much debate over the resolution regarding the matter because students, generally, were not informed.
On Thursday, the day of the vote of no confidence, the Ledford, Starkman, and Taylor letter was made available to the public (PDF). The letter, which is dated February 26 (4 days before the vote), contains many points that are both damning and irrefutable. The points that might be refutable are still damning, and must be addressed.
The overwhelming vote of no confidence against Hundert and Anderson reinforced the criticisms broughts forth in the aforementioned letter. The vote also shifted the burden of responsibility to the administration. The College of Arts and Sciences has proven their point: it is now up to the administration to prove theirs by refuting the claims and citing their justifications. However, I wonder how they will actually do this. If history tells us anything, the administration will try to contain the dialog, underscoring a main point in the Ledford, Starkman, and Taylor letter that they will go to great lengths to control the flow of information. However, as we have seen, bold individuals are sick playing that game and will post any and all information that they receive.
The current issue has grown beyond an internal feud regarding the budget. It has grown into a university-wide issue and should be treated as such. All developments should be made public. The world knows what is happening. Any attempts at concealing information will be futile.
I am relieved to hear that we are making progress down this path. I understand USG has invited both Krauss and Hundert to make their case at a special USG assembly in the Thwing Ballroom on Wednesday evening. I hope both individuals accept the invitation, especially Hundert. As said earlier, the burden of proof is currently on the university administration and Wednesday might be the first we publically hear something definitive from them.
To restate my main point, there is an obligation to resolve the current matters openly. Every individual affiliated with the university can be impacted by the current problems in some way, shape, or form. To keep the issues secret lessens trust in those bearing the facts and simultaneously weakens their platform. I encourage all involved parties to share information as it becomes available. In the end, the university will be stronger because of it.
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The news that President Hundert resigned came as a shock to most people, myself included. I don't think many thought...
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