Dear Editor,
When the Cold War began, a diplomat posted to the U.S. embassy in Moscow wrote a famous essay that set forth a theory of containment to be applied to the Soviet Union. But he worried that if the Russians learned his identity, they would demand his removal from Moscow. He would likely lose his job. To maintain secrecy, he signed the article "Mr. X." Few people knew his identity. Years later, after he left Moscow and his theory was implemented, the world came to know that George Kennan was "Mr. X," the author of "The Theory of Containment." Often the correct approach to large problems is to keep a secret.
The BSU Board of Trustees is facing a large problem in selecting a university president. Potential applicants might be worried if their names are revealed and the public knows their aspirations. The Board has correctly decided that the proper course is to maintain secrecy. But the secret might get out. Consequently, we urge the Board to ensure not only that the identity of the applicants will not be known, but that the identity of the new president shall also remain secret.
When the new president is selected, Board members must refuse to reveal his or her identity. They should refer to the person as "President X." Our new leader should not make any public appearances and should communicate with university constitutencies via news releases and e-mails, which can be signed with an "X." Vice presidents can fulfill the public roles. As long as we know what President X wants to accomplish, there is no need to know his or her identity. Thus, our new president will forever be protected, and our problems will be solved.
Dr. Gary Crawley
Political Science
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