Editorial: Silence gives way to rumors, not solutions

April 08, 2009

There is nothing more frustrating as a journalist than being denied information. A plucky, young writer can dig and dig and can still be turned away at every opportunity by the designated “quote-givers”. As previously reported in the April 1st issue of The Journal, three head coaches here at UIS resigned all within a week of one another. This unfortunate turn of events left five of our ten intercollegiate sports without the leadership they need to succeed.

Resignations may occur at any organization. What makes this case special is the complete lack of response by administration in charge of athletics, aside from a statement made by the chancellor that was a statement stating that they could not make a statement. The university cites “personnel issues” as the reasoning behind their muted stance. However in a campus wide email, Pat Langley, chair of the Campus Senate remarked, “One justification for the lack of information is that these are personnel—and personal—matters, especially for those who have resigned. From where I sit, this is far more than a personnel matter. It is about the place of students and the faculty vis-à-vis athletics at UIS.”

Langley appears to be alluding to the vast array of rumors flying around campus about the resignations. More than a few stories floated in and out of The Journal’s newsroom following the coaches’ resignations. However, even though there is a considerable amount of buzz both on and off campus, the university continues to remain silent.

One important question comes to mind. When does a “personnel issue” become public knowledge, especially if it concerns the well-being of students under the supervision of said personnel? It appears the administration feels that even those faculty with affected student athletes in class are not privy to the information. Langley cited that professors were finding out information from their students and not from the higher-ups.

Ryan Williams, chair of the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee, claimed that there has always been a “friction” between faculty and athletics. However, this committee can only make recommendations to administration, not change existing policy themselves. Again, administration is not jumping at the chance to overhaul the athletics program. In fact, according to Williams, Chancellor Ringeisen had never met with the IAC until his office received criticism following the coaches’ resignations. The IAC had previously recommended that Ringeisen meet with them to improve athletics.

It is our role as the student newspaper to look for answers to the questions our student readers are asking. We are tasked with holding persons accountable for their actions. If rumors are making their way around campus, it is our job to confirm those scandalous remarks with administration. On this campus, a call to the chancellor’s office will result in nothing more than a bluntly stated, “no comment.”