University sends out anti-diversity signals

Publication Date: 11/19/2008

I'm writing in response to Jonathan Neal's letter of Nov. 12. As a faculty member, Dr. Neal should be observing carefully and supporting administration policies and initiatives, not publicly undermining them. Our administration continues to send out clear signals about its support for minorities on campus, which Dr. Neal apparently chooses to ignore. Our administration's continued strong support to fundraise for the Boy Scouts of America through the United Way  even while the BSA refuses to serve any gay-identified or atheist children, makes clear the limit of administration tolerance of the gay agenda. The administration's recent attempt to name a lecture hall after Earl Butz, the Secretary of Agriculture whose comments about African Americans would make even our recent campus graffiti artists blush, also makes a clear signal about administration priorities on matters of racial equality. I don't see how any intelligent individual could ignore these signals. A wise observer knows the difference between merely talking the talk, and actually walking the walk. If Dr. Neal paid attention to how our administration walks the walk, he'd understand that while they may want Purdue to be the locomotive when it comes to issues like research and athletics, when it comes to diversity issues, they are more than content for Purdue to be the perpetual caboose. Welcome to the caboose, Dr. Neal, it's much like the back of the bus. Become a team player and know your (our) place here at Purdue. Boiler Up!

Mike Sloothaak

Staff