Letter to the Editor
Professor Katz alone in criticism of Macias
Dear Editor:
You should receive many letters protesting Professor Jonathan Katz’s opinion headlined “Dean Macias wrong choice for provost” (Student Life, April 9, 2008). Professor Katz claims to speak for “the faculty” in calling Dean Macias a “bullying autocrat” who has done Washington University “much damage.” Although Professor Katz uses the plural pronoun “we,” he speaks only for himself. I have not previously encountered these harsh opinions of Dean Macias or the chancellor. I expect my faculty colleagues to be astonished, as I was, that anyone would think, let alone print, these claims. Professor Katz refers to recent administrative turmoil in the engineering school, but he fails to note that such turmoil has never happened in Arts & Sciences during Dean Macias’ long service. A high level of faculty collegiality, including many interactions among departments, and strong academic programs mark Dean Macias’ term of leadership in Arts & Sciences. Professor Katz often shares provocative opinions, but I find his opinions more often refuted than supported in faculty discussions. Professor Katz should make clear in his letters that the opinions expressed are uniquely his own.
-Allan Larson
Professor of Biology
Related Posts
Print This Post