Guest Column: UNC, I just can't quit you

Carolina, our relationship has become complicated. 

I never expected us to always agree on everything, but your behavior in recent years has certainly forced me to reexamine the nature of our 28-year union. As a university, you’ve let me down, to say the least. There’s been scandal after scandal, from the African and Afro-American studies department's "paper classes" to the mishandling of sexual assault cases and our Confederate statute, also known as Silent Sam, to some very questionable hiring practices. You’ve wasted millions of dollars on legal fees and outside consultants instead of looking to the expertise of your talented faculty and staff for solutions. And you failed to be truthful to your accreditation agency. Time and time again, you’ve placed the desires of your donors and special interest groups over the needs of your students. 

And sadly, your top leaders have been nearly invisible, except for spouting empty platitudes in a few marshmallow-like campuswide emails that are sweet but of little substance. They continue to punt the hard decisions and try to please everyone. Bill Friday would not call that leadership. 

I don’t expect you to be perfect, but I expect more from the "light on the hill."

And there’s your particularly nasty habit of attacking and silencing those who speak out about your faults. The list of the whistleblowers that’ve been fired or forced out is long and distinguished. The customary response to serious issues is to make scapegoats out of lower-level employees, while administrators and tenured faculty receive mere slaps on the wrists for their unethical actions.

I would argue that your biggest flaw is an absolute unwillingness to accept fault for your mistakes. Image seems to have taken precedence over honor. The University motto seems to have changed from “Lux, Libertas” (light and liberty) to “Obscure and Spin.”

But I also believe that if you truly value something, you have an obligation to fight to save it. Or to quote one of the wisest Tar Heels, Dean Smith, “There is a point in every contest when sitting on the sidelines is not an option.” 

The truth is that no matter how disappointed I am in you, I am a forever a part of the Carolina extended family. Not only did I receive three degrees from you, I met my husband and made my dearest friends on your campus. Your hospital saved my life as well as the life of my premature son. You have given me so much that I simply cannot turn my back on you now. 

One of those things you taught me was loyalty. Tar Heels are notoriously loyal to their school. We wear UNC T-shirts while touring the Louvre. We tear up when we hear “Carolina in my Mind.” We all get excited whenever we beat Duke in anything, even if we hate sports. I pride myself on my sometimes blind loyalty to my family, friends and yes, to my school. 

I just can’t seem to quit you even though you’ve given me plenty of reasons to walk away. 

And I am reminded that any university is more than its current leadership. The legacy continues, in ways both large and small. I see it in the students who organize protests for every societal ill, but who also stop to say “thank you” to the guard who helps them cross South Road. I see it in the myriad ways that UNC faculty strive to help communities across the state and nation. I see it in its devoted staff dedicated to helping new generations of students achieve their dreams. I see it in her alumni starting schools and running for office, working to make this world a better place for all.

UNC is still a mighty school, but she needs to remember how to lead with integrity and transparency. It needs to be reminded to be more loyal to its students, employees, alumni and the people of North Carolina. Apologize to those you have clearly wronged and atone for your mistakes. Stop worrying about trivial things like luxury boxes in the basketball arena and spend your time on the “big stuff,” like the cost of attendance and keeping the campus safe. Protect free speech, even when it reveals uncomfortable truths. Use the power of the greater University community to work on societal problems like sexual violence and political incivility. Reinvigorate the honor code and reflect on what the Carolina Way truly should mean. Focus on reforms of substance instead of just flashy websites and window dressings. Ensure that your employees act with the utmost ethics and hold them accountable for their missteps.

My university, like all of us, is more than a collection of bad decisions. But the time has come, for the school to pay its tab and ask for forgiveness. I want to be in a healthier relationship with my alma mater. And the state of North Carolina deserves to have the “light on the hill” restored.

Melinda Manning

Former Assistant Dean of Students