Editorial: UM’s presidential search lacking in cultural difference

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This is a man’s world.

Since before James Brown and Betty Jean Newsome sang about it in 1966 to well after that single reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts, this motto has often existed as truth.

Although recent times have brought about the altering forces of feminism and civil rights, this gender divide still remains. And for an institution based on the celebration and progression of diversity in particular, the University of Maine certainly isn’t helping to close the chasm.

Controversy has arisen in regards to the application process for the UMaine presidency. Out of 50 applicants vying for the position, only five were women and one a minority. Preliminary interviews were granted to nine candidates and even though the minority applicant was given the opportunity to be heard, none of the women received such a privilege.

This would be one thing if the female contenders were legitimately unqualified, yet the case is hardly that simple.

One of the women presidential petitioners, Provost Susan Hunter, could hardly be referred to as undistinguished by anyone. Obviously devoted to the university and involved in the process of administering such an institution, Hunter’s credentials made her perfectly eligible for the role.

Yet, her contest was quite short-lived.

To assume that gender favoritism is not somewhat associated with the situation is pure naivete. The gentlemen’s club mentality, where only the white male is allowed to partake in membership, is a tired prerogative that simply shouldn’t be allowed in the innovative environment of a university.

How can students and faculty be expected to encourage change and equality when the administration they work and function under remains immovable in its undertakings?

This may be a white man’s world, but that doesn’t indicate that it is either satisfying or correct. Enabling a woman or a minority male with the equal opportunity to compete for the presidency at a university in Maine may not change this, but it certainly wouldn’t be too devastating to give it a whirl.

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 20th, 2011, 11:22 pm. You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS feed.