One big issue with the termination of University President Richard Lariviere is not knowing what his biggest error while in office was. I know that it was reported that Lariviere had raised the salaries of faculty members. If this is the biggest fault that he has, I believe the Oregon University System needs to re-evaluate their decision.
Since he was hired two and a half years ago, the number of qualified applicants has increased each year. This year’s freshmen class is the brightest and most diverse that the University has ever seen. The faculty deserves the raises that they have received. They are motivators, encouragers, and leaders, which is more than just an educator. They are giving students all tools necessary to succeed at the next level.
This is very different than Penn State University President Graham Spanier’s firing earlier this month. Lariviere violated no moral, ethical, or legal issues to others or the University. All that he did was try to increase the quality of education at the school and the quality of the student body.
Now, with no president in charge, what is a senior like myself supposed to do? I have essentially just been told by the OUS that decisions cannot be influenced in this society. There is no way to convince them of his importance on campus. When the OUS board members have previously prepared statements, it shows they were not even listening to rational pleas.
With Lariviere at the helm, I felt a clear vision. Now I feel lost.
Matthew Lerman
University student
Letter: President Lariviere termination hurts students
Daily Emerald
November 27, 2011
More to Discover