Opinion: We must unite to protest BOG's actions

It’s been exactly one week, and the UNC-system Board of Governors has remained confusingly mum on its move to oust system President Tom Ross.

The board has ignored calls from system leaders, student body presidents and community members to provide transparency on its decision. Apparently, its members feel they are above telling constituents the reasoning behind one of the biggest decisions this particular board has made to date.

We cannot let the nation’s premier public university system be bought by politicians with little interest in developing a smart electorate. After all, if this instance is any evidence, the politicians of this state are counting on its students and faculty to be sheep while they quietly take the ideals of this university to slaughter.

Even if Ross’ quiet firing was the only thing we were mad about, that would be enough. But it’s not.

This editorial board has repeatedly called for more from the system’s governing body, which, of late, has adopted a modus operandi of secrecy and underhandedness.

In August, we admonished the Board of Governors for its hasty (and little-debated) decision to freeze-and-cap the amount of need-based aid its universities can provide.

We questioned why the board would want to make such a monumental decision during the summer when students are gone.

In November, we asked the board to listen to the newly created student group UNC BOG Democracy Coalition after years of watching students’ grievances fall by the wayside at the Board of Governors’ hands.

Finally, in December, we criticized the board for its sinful decision to target for budget cuts those research centers and institutes that help marginalized groups.

So to the Board of Governors, we expect more from the people entrusted with protecting this university. Your opaqueness reflects your failed commitment to public service.

To Chancellor Carol Folt, we ask that you push back against Ross’ seemingly arbitrary dismissal. Remember President Ross’ support of his flagship university during the release of the Wainstein report when you challenge the powers that be in the Board of Governors. You will face opposition from powerful politicians, but know that the student body will support your efforts to protect the integrity of our university system.

To student government, we appreciate your willingness to speak out against the board. But now you must act on your demands. Student Body President Andrew Powell said the board must “articulate clear, identifiable reasons they are asking President Ross to step down.” Now you must continue this university’s tradition of defiance in the face of wrongdoing — a tradition you repeatedly invoked during your campaign. You must lead your student body. You must call for protests.

To students, it’s clear we can no longer afford to be apathetic about voting — not that we ever really could. The politicians we put in place are the same ones deciding the makeup of the Board of Governors.

During the next year and beyond, this newspaper and its editorial board will put forth every effort to uncover the truth behind Ross’ removal.

In the meantime, we need you to demand better from your elected officials.

We are not sheep.