As a former Poly columnist, I know how challenging it can be to create balanced staff editorials which take into account all points of view. However, I believe that the editorial of October 10 was more like an ultimatum than an opinion piece, and was a little beneath a student newspaper that has been in business for more than 130 years. Telling the president and her cabinet to “move on” because they have not bowed to the faculty’s requests sends a completely wrong message to both parties. It tells the administration that students don’t care about what has been done to-date on this and other issues, and tells the faculty that they have the skills and knowledge to run a multi-billion dollar research university better than our current leadership. Neither statement is true.

The faculty governance issue is a critical one for Rensselaer, no doubt, but The Poly is wrong to condemn President Shirley Ann Jackson for this current struggle. As someone who was able to spend a great deal of time with her as a student, I know she is committed to helping Rensselaer succeed in all its aspects. To assert that she is either ignoring constituencies or simply “doesn’t care” is irresponsible. I was a senior during the events of September 11, and I can tell you from observations on that day that Jackson cares deeply for the future of all RPI students, faculty, and staff. While she may not be the type of president who walks around the campus high-fiving students every day, she is constantly working behind the scenes and on the road to improve the quality of life on campus and the reputation of Rensselaer.

Beyond the millions of dollars raised, hoards of new faculty hires, improvements to student life, and a general elevation of RPI’s reputation, Jackson has brought new passion to life at the Institute. Before she took office, pundits were questioning whether Rensselaer would survive the financial troubles which plagued it during the 1990s. When the president first came to campus, the enthusiasm among students, faculty, and staff was electric. I think that we can all appreciate her direct and message-driven management style, regardless of whether we agree with all of her decisions. Jackson has never been anything but straight with the Rensselaer community about her intentions, and her goals have made Rensselaer a better place to be.

Please consider Jackson’s entire presidency and all that she has done before attacking her in such a one-sided way in the future. While I recognize that the faculty issue has drawn some negative attention to the Institute, it has not damaged our reputation any more than past faculty disagreements. In fact, I think that the way the Institute emerges from this current challenge will go a long way towards propelling us into even greater prominence.

Ray Lutzky ’02