Vote Deitch, McGowan

Regent race is especially imperative

It is rare to say an election could actually change the face of the University, but that statement is surprisingly true of the race for the two open seats on the University's Board of Regents. Fortunately, two experienced and reliable incumbents are fully prepared to hold down the fort: Larry Deitch (D-Bloomfield Hills) and Rebecca McGowan (D-Ann Arbor).

Deitch and McGowan are the clear choices for several undeniably strong reasons. First, experience: Both have been on the board for eight years, know how the board operates and have a good working relationship with University President Lee Bollinger.

More important is what they have endured and accomplished during their tenure. Of great significance is their role on the board during the affirmative action lawsuits challenging University. Both are staunch supporters of the existing policy and are willing to defend the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if needed. Affirmative action is at the cornerstone of the University's attitude on diversity, and the most important issue facing the board today. Republican candidates Wendy Anderson (R-Commerce Twp.) and Suzy Avery (R-Grand Rapids) have expressed their interest in changing the board's stance on affirmative action and possibly settling in a lower court. This is unacceptable.

Deitch and McGowan also recognize that it is not the role of the board to interfere with University curriculum, an issue that got wrongly dragged into the political spotlight after English 317 "How to be Gay," garnered attention. If the regents have control over class topics, they may decide to censure classes, thus threatening academic freedom Both Republican regent candidates have expressed interest in limiting the University's academic freedom on this matter.

The two Republican candidates refused to debate with the other candidates (including the students running) at the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs Regents forum. The Republican Party also canceled Anderson's endorsement interview with the Daily's editorial board on her behalf with "no chance of rescheduling."

Scott Trudeau (Green Party), the best of the student candidates running, is a hard working and dedicated activist. But compared to Deitch and McGowan, he just doesn't have the qualifications to be elected to the board. He has well-supported ideas that would best be implemented with his continued role in student activism. His plan to initiate a dialogue concerning corporate sponsorship of University research is a legitimate concern and good starting point. He is a valuable resource and should definitely stay involved in student affairs.

Voters are in the lucky position of not only having two exceptionally strong and trustworthy candidates to vote for, but ones that will, quite simply, keep the good at the University good - and tackle the tough stuff. Vote Rebecca McGowan and Larry Deitch for University Board of Regents.