“So I have an idea — let’s cause a scene. Let’s protest! On Thursday, Sept. 27 Chancellor [James] Oblinger will deliver his ‘State of N.C. State’ address at 3 p.m. in Stewart Theatre. Most will go to learn about the ‘University’s vision of how NCSU will meet the needs of a rapidly changing world …'” But we should attend for a different reason — to support “the thousands of other University employees who are treated as third class citizens. If you believe as I do, then join us on the 27th. Let us stand in solidarity with those who give so much to our community, yet are overlooked because the rich white men who control our University…”
The feedback and response from my last column — quoted above — has been overwhelming. Most students who have spoken with me believe as I do, that we should publicly show our disdain for the dramatic increases in certain administrator’s salaries. Most understand that unreasonable escalations in administrative salaries drain the pool of scarce resources used to support faculty and the academic mission of the University. And when those limited funds are exhausted, you and I are forced to foot the bill through campus-based tuition increases. So think of it this way — next time you see Chancellor Oblinger on campus, thank him for increasing your tuition to pay for his new sports car, yacht or vacation junket.
One person suggested that I had a “beef” with Chancellor Oblinger — quite the contrary. In fact, I would like to think that I had a part, probably rather small, in Oblinger’s succession to the chancellorship. I served on the search committee whose work ultimately led to Oblinger’s appointment as NCSU’s provost, the University’s chief academic officer and executive vice chancellor. As I stated in my first column of the semester — the climate on campus is extremely exciting, and the University is set on a positive path. I actually believe Oblinger is an incredible chancellor and a great friend. So you won’t see the chancellor and me dueling in the Brickyard. Although, I would definitely entertain the idea of squaring off against some other administrators. Maybe Campus Police Chief Tom Younce and I can test each other’s skills in a Taser battle.
Just because I like the chancellor, doesn’t mean I have to agree with everything he has done or will do; and considering the circumstances, I don’t believe he deserves a $53,000 raise. Especially not when he is going to turn around and recommend to the Board of Trustees a couple hundred dollar increase in tuition and fees — a recommendation that will pass, of course, “because of the rich white men who control the University.”
Some don’t believe that NCSU students have the gall to stand up for something they believe in. Personally, I think they’re wrong. I can remember some effective and spectacular demonstrations. Most notably the sit-in to restore 24-hour operations to the library and the “March on the Capitol” — where 5,000 students and supporters marched on the General Assembly to protest a $500 million budget cut to North Carolina’s education system.
I am anxious to hear Chancellor Oblinger’s speech on the 27th. Will he announce any plans to “give back” his disproportionate bonus? Perhaps he will direct it to student financial aid or scholarships for children of NCSU employees. Whatever the outcome — students will continue to fight back and stand up for what is right.
Will you join Andrew and stand up for what’s right? E-mail your plans to viewpoint@technicianonline.com.
