TO THE EDITOR:
The UNC-system Board of Governors passed the strategic plan despite criticisms by the system-wide Faculty Assembly, the Association of Student Governments and the faculty governing bodies at 15 campuses.
This is the same board that will be a major player in deciding how and where the governor’s proposed net reduction of $139 million to the UNC system will occur.
Currently, students, staff and faculty have no direct way to communicate their concerns to the board.
The North Carolina Vision Coalition — made up of students, staff and faculty — sent a letter signed by more than 200 individuals and organizations to ask President Tom Ross and the board for three simple, achievable changes: Sufficient seating for UNC constituents at board meetings, a public comment session at these meetings and UNC email addresses for board members to use when conducting university-related business.
Tom Ross responded, but dismissed our concerns. We did not hear back from Peter Hans, chairman of the board. Only one of 32 board members responded.
If you agree that all constituents deserve to be heard by the governing body of UNC, please sign the coalition’s letter/petition at bit.ly/bogdemocracy. And join us at our meetings on Mondays at noon at the Campus Y, room 208. An accessible Board of Governors is crucial for a democratic public university.
Zach Bijesse ’15
Philosophy, Sociology
North Carolina Vision Coalition
Jason Palivoda
Grounds Services
North Carolina Vision Coalition
