Let’s focus on the real problem
As an alum (1972) and donor to UC Davis, I was shocked and saddened by the pepper-spraying of students. The action was uncalled for and contrary to the character of the Davis campus I know.
However, I do not agree that Chancellor Linda Katehi should resign. Dealt a truly bad hand by the state government and a lousy economy, she has brought a positive energy and direction to the campus. She works to improve the campus, grow enrollment for California residents and increase the Davis role in growing the California economy, all with less state funding.
She has showed real leadership by personally working with students to address the events of Nov. 18 and rebuild the sense of community that defines UC Davis.
I work hard to raise money to support UC Davis students. I hope the events of Nov. 18 do not cause donors to turn away from the campus. In light of the sad state of state support for education, students and the campus need your support now more than ever.
Mistakes were made in how the student protests were handled. From what I know, forcing out the chancellor would be another. Instead, focus on the real problem — increasing state support for education.
Kevin Bacon
Chairman, UC Davis Foundation, Austin, Texas
Short URL: http://www.davisenterprise.com/?p=109446
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Posted by Letters to the Editor
on Nov 25 2011.
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Mr. Bacon,
Thank you for the work that you have done for the University. I have not donated to the school, in no small part to the fact that I’m still paying for my education quite a few years later. I will not say that I made no mistakes in this that contributed, but wrapping that much debt on someone that age is rough.
I am willing to be open to the idea that Chancellor Katehi can stay. After all, she got to this place by being successful.
We absolutely need more state educational funding. In addition, we need to look at exactly why there is so much educational inflation and what we can do about it. I must say, when I see the current UC Regents (http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/regents/regbios/welcome.html) and where their leadership has left us, I really do wonder if we are doing the best we can do here.
Thank you