2008 Woodie Awards
On the Card controversy
Unsigned editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Daily Collegian Editorial Board
Issue date: 5/10/07 Section: Editorial / Opinion
At UMass however, to complement our reputation as a progressive university, there are better percentages of those ignited against and opposing the war. The recent 'die-ins', meetings and writings are all indicative of a student body that, if not indifferent, has a distinct distaste for our country's operation overseas and all who represent it. But despite this notable amount of objection, calls for rescinding are not being heard by our school administration.
At a recent Faculty Senate meeting, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Stephen P. Tocco refused to allow a review for the Card decision. In a room cluttered with both students and teachers, along with clapping approval at the suggestion for a meeting on the subject, the higher-ups would have nothing of it.
Quite simply, the Andy Card situation proves this democratic institution to be not so democratic after all. Despite these prevalent protests and formal requests to reconsider the nomination, no progress has been made. As a result, the situation has come to a head. The administration will not stand down, and neither will those opposed, a group comprised of not only students, but faculty as well. Now things are getting ugly as protests at graduation commencement have been planned, giving anyone who opposes the Iraq War in the general area (and this is Massachusetts we're talking about), to come on down and show it.
What could have been a nice commencement will now be turning into a circus, a shame on our school that could still be easily avoided if student's voices are heard. Though this challenge isn't from every individual at our University, the silence spurs from indifference rather than support. But as students, we shouldn't be self-conscious if we haven't chosen a side on the Andy Card issue or Iraq, because we're in good and plentiful company. We should be self-conscious if we sit idly by as the University gives out honorifics that do not reflect the overarching opinion of the student body. We should be self-conscious if we let those in charge refuse to acknowledge those who pay, work and live at this institution. The decision of whether or not Andrew Card gets a degree should be ours, and it isn't.
At a recent Faculty Senate meeting, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Stephen P. Tocco refused to allow a review for the Card decision. In a room cluttered with both students and teachers, along with clapping approval at the suggestion for a meeting on the subject, the higher-ups would have nothing of it.
Quite simply, the Andy Card situation proves this democratic institution to be not so democratic after all. Despite these prevalent protests and formal requests to reconsider the nomination, no progress has been made. As a result, the situation has come to a head. The administration will not stand down, and neither will those opposed, a group comprised of not only students, but faculty as well. Now things are getting ugly as protests at graduation commencement have been planned, giving anyone who opposes the Iraq War in the general area (and this is Massachusetts we're talking about), to come on down and show it.
What could have been a nice commencement will now be turning into a circus, a shame on our school that could still be easily avoided if student's voices are heard. Though this challenge isn't from every individual at our University, the silence spurs from indifference rather than support. But as students, we shouldn't be self-conscious if we haven't chosen a side on the Andy Card issue or Iraq, because we're in good and plentiful company. We should be self-conscious if we sit idly by as the University gives out honorifics that do not reflect the overarching opinion of the student body. We should be self-conscious if we let those in charge refuse to acknowledge those who pay, work and live at this institution. The decision of whether or not Andrew Card gets a degree should be ours, and it isn't.
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