TO THE EDITOR:
Concrete, cranes and construction workers again obscure the view inside Kenan Stadium. The orchestration involved in such an act is fascinating in its own right, but my mind turns to the drama that has unfolded over the past few months. Ironically, just as the old building that sat at the end zone was torn down this summer, allowing a rare look inside, we have also gotten a glimpse into the inner world of our NCAA football team and they have been exposed.
Exposure can be terrifying. On the other hand, exposure can be a great opportunity for gaining perspective and examining the structures that allowed questionable behavior to occur. This is really hard work that starts with accepting that one can no longer hide and that in the end things will need to change. The exposure necessitates that the status quo will no longer fly.
As sure as steel beams and concrete, the football team will erect new walls for protection from those peering in. In theory, there is nothing wrong with sheltering oneself from the outside. However, it places the burden on those on the inside to ensure standards are being met and, as we’ve seen, this is an incredible responsibility with nothing less than the University’s reputation in play. Going forward, finding ways to build transparency into this organization will not only be good for the University, but also will take some of the weight off the football team that has better things to worry about… like winning games. Go Heels!
Erika Bagley
Graduate Student
Psychology
