|
OPINION
| UPDATED April 18
Editorial/our view
Left out
Those taking action for UTA should
consult the people their actions affect most
City leaders met with faculty members and
a UT System vice chancellor Wednesday to discuss the future of the
university. After months of hemming and hawing to legislators about
the need to direct more of the UT System’s attention to UTA,
it’s about time they actually talked formally to campus representatives
to seek input.
Since December, when UT System chancellor Mark Yudof expressed the
system’s interest in UT-Dallas’ research potential, area
leaders have propelled themselves to the forefront of UTA’s
defense. While it is great that UTA has the community’s support,
some actions have taken it too far.
For example, Rep. Toby Goodman filed a bill and joint resolution
calling for the university to become its own entity or assimilate
into another system. City leaders presented a list of five demands
to the UT System essentially asking for more attention to and affirmation
of the university’s future.
All of this was done without much input from the constituents these
actions are intended to serve.
Again, community support is wonderful and shows that the city appreciates
the impact the university has. But the important thing our leaders
need to remember is to include us. Meeting with faculty representatives
is a good start. Some city officials have even gone to Student Congress
meetings to speak to student body leaders.
We encourage city leaders to continue actively seeking input from
people on campus — the people their actions will affect
the most.
We also encourage campus groups and individuals to not wait to be
asked for input. It is our responsibility to be proactive when it
comes to things done on our school’s behalf.
|
|
Editorial
round-up
The issue:
City leaders on Wednesday met with faculty members to
discuss UTA’s future.
Our stance: The city should have sought input
from university representatives earlier.
|
|
|
