"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; andI are not sure about the universe." -- Einstein, Albert(1879-1955)
With each passing day here at Ball State, I find more and morereasons to believe Einstein on question of what is and what is notinfinite and to wonder who should be wearing the sign that reads"DUMB."
Can anyone explain why Provost Beverley Pitts can not have thetitle of president of Ball State? She is the first female to hold aprovost and vice president post here. She has earned the AthenaAward for 2003 and the Women's Equality Day Award for Education.Why not let her be the first female to hold the post of president?The Muncie Star, Daily News and Professor Emeritus of FinanceJoseph B. Black Jr. have wondered if this might be a "genderissue," and so do I.
Let us make this simple for the trustees: Does the Board ofTrustees believe a woman is not smart enough to hold the title ofpresident at Ball State University?
If your answer is "No," then we must ask: Does the Board ofTrustees believe that Provost Beverley Pitts is not the type ofwoman they want to hold the title of president at Ball StateUniversity?
If your answer is "Yes," then this community is asking why not.If your answer is "No," then we would like a news releaseappointing Provost Pitts to the position of "acting president ofBall State University" with all the rights of that office by Dec.1. Okay trustees, the ball is in your court and the whole communityis waiting for your response.
The trustees and the football expansion is another sign tosupport me and Einstein. I was told that the expansion of thefootball stadium was a done deal. The Cardinal Varsity Club underthe direction of Jerry Peirson and Rich Spisak has been in chargeof raising the big bucks, some $13 million to move us into aDivision 1 program. It appears they have raised some $250,000 forsomething, but I bet it is not to save the track and field or crosscountry programs. I will also bet it will not be used to help thestudents with the increases in fees and tuitions.
The state was short some $152 million in income this year, whichwill lead to another increase here at Ball State. The last time thestate was short, they cut funds and our trustees just passed it onto us. Tom Morrison, director of state fiscal relations, pointedout that there are two places Ball State gets most of its money ...the state and students' tuition. I guess the money raised byprivate sources does not count. Wait a minute, the Indiana law"IC20-12-4-1" allows that money "to be administered for otherpublic, charitable purposes for the benefit or use of students ofany of these educational institutions." Fat chance the CardinalVarsity Club would like to support non-football playing studentswho are just here to get an education.
Last question: Why is there not an AAUP member on the searchcommittee? Like I said in the beginning, I wonder who should bewearing the sign. US or THEM ... Here's your sign.
Write to Eric at eerichardson@bsu.edu
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