Fight the Power

From F. Scott Fitzgerald:

Before I go on with this short history, let me make a general observation -- the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise.

With that in mind, you should go protest Hitt and Hickey’s program cuts.

On Thursday, July 23, the United Faculty of Florida will hold a second (and final) “Reprioritize” rally at UCF to protest the university administration’s recommendation to eliminate four programs (Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Engineering Technology, Management and Information Sciences, and Radiologic Sciences) and to suspend another (Actuarial Sciences).

The rally will take place from 11:45am to 12:30pm in the free assembly area between the Student Union and John T. Washington Center (Bookstore), where faculty will be joined by students, alumni, and other concerned taxpayers. From there, rally participants will move to the UCF Board of Trustees meeting from 1:00-5:00pm in the Live Oak Room.

At the rally, speakers, press contacts, and new information sheets will explain why the proposed program closures are unnecessary and based on misguided priorities.

Protesting probably won’t do any good, but there is a chance. Remember, Hitt didn’t want to retrofit the new stadium with water fountains, but he caved because a lot of people expressed outrage. Because Hitt is a politician, he will reverse himself if he is pressured.