In a previous post, I replied to the airy criticisms directed at my recent News & Observer op-ed about the search for a new UNC president in a letter to the editor by W. Robert Conner. The N&O has recently run another letter by Robert Kennel, the Executive Director of the Council of UNC Alumni Association Presidents in which the writer flings more marshmallows, but with a malice the previous letter lacked. Kennel’s letter is here if you wish to read the whole thing.
Kennel says that my op-ed was “scary” because I contend that the next UNC president ought to focus on academic excellence and forget the diversity mania and should stick to academics rather than engaging in further mission creep such as trying to spur economic development.
“Diversity” — meaning that the university should go all out to hire more “minority” faculty members and administrators, admit more “minority” students and add more “identity” courses that are supposed to appeal to students on the basis of their race/ethnicity/gender/sexual orientation — is a national plague in higher education which does nothing whatsoever to improve learning. On the contrary, it is a sideshow that tends to get in the way of academic excellence.
Kennel, however, says that the next UNC president should “embrace diversity.” Why? Because he rejoiced in a recent story about a NC State graduate “who overcame so much.” Blacks with drive and ability were overcoming even more long before the diversity craze settled in. By all means, let’s honor all who excel, but that’s no reason to continue the costly diversity crusade.
As for economic development, under Chancellor Moeser, UNC-CH has set up an economic development office. I’m all for economic development, but it will take place when and where it makes sense business-wise with or without this development office. If entrepreneurs have any need of the expertise of any UNC faculty member, they can seek it out. Economic development is part of the spontaneous order of a free society; it does not need catalyzing by UNC.
But wait — Kennel says that recently an NC State professor received an award for his veterinary work which may lead to medical breakthroughs. I’m delighted to hear that, but it has nothing at all to do with my point.
Lastly, Kennel states that he “would disparage the Pope Center’s ideological mortar shells periodically lobbed into the face of UNC’s reality.” What I think that means is that he’s upset over the fact that the Center often critizes some of the silly (and clearly ideologically-driven) things that go on at his alma mater. Disparage away, Mr. Kennel. If you’d like me to take you seriously, though, you’ll need to explain just which of our many criticisms is mistaken, and why. I’m always ready for a real debate.
