Monday's DAILY NEWS Forum report entitled "Student Voices Matter" and the issue "Administration not addressing or involving the student body regarding athletic cuts" is right on target.
Eliminating sports is an important decision which will have a profound effect on Ball State University and students. So why are students entitled to be addressed and have a voice regarding these cuts? The most important reason is that dedicated student fees at Ball State account for over 70 percent of the revenue needed to operate the athletic program. The 2001-2002 athletic accounts show total revenues of $7,133,664 of which $5,059,073 came from dedicated student fees. If this was a business, as many people now believe NCAA Division 1A athletic programs have become, stockholders with 70 percent ownership certainly would have a voice in a decision which would greatly effect them and how their money was being spent.
As this DAILY NEWS article points out, oddly, the ad hoc committee appointed by athletic director Bubba Cunningham, which was asked to decide upon these cuts, included no student representation. It is also interesting, as this article points out, that the possible final decision on this important issue will be at the July 18 Board of Trustees meeting on the final day of summer session and one day after the DAILY NEWS stops publication for the remainder of the summer.
If President Brownell truly has an open mind and is seeking input on this important issue I call upon the administration to delay this decision until the fall semester, at which time students should be addressed and involved in this important decision by giving them more information and a time for dialogue and input. Perhaps after which, students could even vote on a referendum on this important issue.
Jerry L. Rushton
Associate Professor Emeritus Department of Physical Education
& current board member of the Ball State Center for Sport, Ethics & Culture
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