The Board of Visitors is a governing body that helps instate new policies and initiatives at Virginia Tech. Each school in Virginia has its own specific board whose members are appointed by the residing governor.
This summer Gov. Bob McDonnell has his first chance to appoint at least two new members to Tech’s BOV. Obviously, this means that the new board members will probably have similar views and goals as McDonnell. Nothing is wrong with this, that’s how democracy works: Virginians elected him, for better or worse, and he in turn makes decisions for all of us.
Rumor has it that one of his new appointees will be former board member John Rocovich who served on the board from 1997 through 2003 and donated $63,000 to McDonnell’s political endeavors. It’s not sure yet that he will be appointed, but it looks pretty good for him.
While it’s important to note that contributing to McDonnell’s campaign will probably increase his chances, that’s an accepted, yet unfortunate, fact of politics. The old saying “Those with the money make the rules” comes to mind. It’s standard procedure across the globe, although that fact does not make it ethical.
Whether or not a BOV position used as patronage is fair to students is another issue altogether. There’s no way to tell if the donation would be the main factor in his possible appointment, but it can’t possibly hurt.
What’s more questionable is looking at his past as a board member.
To be fair, Rocovich supported several important developments at Tech, such as the creation of ICTAS and getting us into the ACC. However, it’s important to remember that he was not alone in these endeavors — we can also thank many others, including the University of Virginia, for our entry into the ACC.
What should be investigated is the 2003 attempt to remove Tech’s policy of affirmative action.
Affirmative action is still a hot-button topic. Many consider it a get-in-free card for certain minorities or a remnant of a previously broken — but now rectified — social system. While the former is unfounded (anyone who gets into Tech must reach a certain standard no matter what their race or gender may be), and the latter is up for debate, it’s not something that should be casually brushed aside by a few people who don’t actually attend Tech.
Continuing the current and ongoing debate with an open dialogue is the best way to decide what changes, if any, are needed.
A version of this article appeared in the Apr 6 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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We should get rid of affirmative action it's an outdated concept. I think examining high school performance and economic considerations would be a far more effective strategy at giving the disadvantaged a fair chance. The fact is it's not the 60s anymore people of races need a leg up, it's not white vs black it's rich vs poor.
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Besides, it's more an issue of class rather than race. Black people as a group aren't disadvantaged in life as much as poor people as a group. There are poor white/Asian people who need assistance as well. Affirmative Action on the basis of race is just reverse-discrimination.
I mean it's essentially saying that because you're black you're not as good as a white person, so you need extra help, lol. How is that not offensive to people?
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Agreed. Nice work.
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This article was poorly written and vague.
Besides that you have no right to talk about "We as Hokies." You lack the authority to speak for an entire group.
I don't know what disgusts me more, your ignorance or your stupidity.
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Why did you feel it necessary to launch a personal attack against the writer? Rather than giving thoughtful criticism of the article, you stooped to name calling. The discourse on this site--part of an academic community--should be raised to a higher level, which starts with each person who comments.
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If the editorial board wants to increase the academic discourse they need to start by writing less cancer inducing articles.
In fairness though I have seen much worse articles then this posted on CT.
If you wish to enumerate all the stupid points they made go ahead. I was going to, but they would just furrow their brow in a vain attempt to understand.
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The BOV already has an undergraduate student and a graduate student representative. It also has a staff senate representative and a faculty senate representative. It's been this way for years.
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I wouldn't call them a "representative," undergrad and grad student representatives to the BOV don't get a vote.
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There are four representatives to the BOV: undergrad, grad, staff, and faculty. The representatives are not voting members of the BOV. They do speak directly to the BOV on matters concerning the body they represent.
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