More
than the Money
To
the Editors:
President
Dye’s raise and 10-year incentive-to-stay bonus aren’t
shocking — it’s the modern way, and as President Dye
said at one of the
meetings she held to talk to OCOPE members about the financial crisis,
the Trustees were in line with market practices for college presidents
with the recompense they gave her.
The fairness issue is about more than the money. I think it’s
also about feeling betrayed. It’s about what Oberlin stands
for, and is a reflection of the age-old struggle of image versus
substance, with image triumphing too often in modern society.
Dye has gained popularity by espousing Oberlin’s traditions
of equality and justice. But we find that her words are just useful
tools: unlike Oberlin’s founders who risked all for right,
she hasn’t done the hard thing. No matter if her raise and
bonus are in line with current market practices: here at Oberlin,
we expect more. Giving back her bonus could translate into a real
difference in terms of the College’s financial state, as well
as campus morale. There’s still time, President Dye. I believe
that one person can make a difference. And I believe that when you
do the right thing, more good things follow.
–Sue
Elkevizth
Departmental Secretary of English
|