By
I heard more about the Harry Potter Quidditch Tournament than I did the State of the University Address. In fact, I had not seen or heard anything from anyone about the address. In last year’s address, President Ramsey talked mostly about the scandal involving Robert Felner, the former Dean of the College of Education. The event was advertised all over campus well before its actual date. There were flyers, announcements in the Louisville Cardinal, announcements in the e-mails sent to students and all professors were encouraged to let their students attend the event.
However, this year’s State of the University address came and went in silence. With no announcements, no e-mails, no professors mentioning the event, it’s almost like someone was trying to keep it a secret. Why, you ask? I don’t know about you but I can’t help but have the impression that the University of Louisville was hiding something, or perhaps, from something. Perhaps someone was avoiding confrontations from students about the controversial mandatory meal plan.
Forcing college students who are not only old enough to make up their own minds but also poor enough to know that they can’t afford the mandatory meal plan, some would know that too well, whatever happened to free will and rights in America? Even elementary, middle, and high school students have the freedom to choose. Why can’t we? I know I’d be outraged, and I am. Who wouldn’t, especially in this kind of economy when everyone has tightened their belts and a penny saved is a penny earned? I’m sure I’m not alone. Was that what our dear administrators were avoiding? Was that why this State of the University address was kept a secret and not announced in any e-mails sent out to students? Or is this how U of L always does thing, only let its students know after all has been said and done, just like it did with the meal plan? After all, we’re just some piggy banks whose opinions do not matter.
Mai Ho is a junior accounting major.
