As an alumnus of such a uniquely prestigious academic institution such as the University of Dayton, I take great pride in following the current activities of the administration and student body alike.
One would think that a prestigious Catholic institution would have a basic understanding of moral obligation. In my personal business career, I have learned that there is a time where it is instrumental that there be a devoted effort to achieve a community cooperation. These would be times of strife or unforeseeable
adverse situations.
It is clear that the current events fall into this category. It is also clear that there has been a deficiency in appropriate responses to the situation given the university’s own claimed standards
to fellowship.
My greatest disappointment is that the university and its leadership have revealed themselves to not work in the student body’s best interest, but rather to garnish an appearance of false dedication by turning a cynical blind eye to their contractual obligation.
I arrive at this conjecture not from this single circumstance, but from a series of decisions in recent university history. As an institution that prides itself on community and camaraderie, I find it laughable that the student body has in essence been punished for doing no wrong. They have been besieged within their own neighborhood, a place where someone should feel free from harm.
The lack of compassionate response is compounded by the fact that this is a problem a long time coming. The university should look to solve problems and not concoct even more malfeasance. The administration and leadership needs to look within itself for a destination for the blame. The first step in solving any problem is recognizing there is one, and the time to admit there was one has long since passed.
I will always take pride in having been a student at the University of Dayton. My only wish is that the current students will be able to graduate and harbor the same positive feelings. I am fearful though that the experiences that have been thrust upon them will prevent that. I suppose that this is all something that one epic, spirit fueled night in THE GHETTO won’t be able to solve. The students deserve that. Just return to them their stolen sovereignty.
