Caught Between Student Voices and Boardroom Choices
ASUO Sets Up “Meet and Greet” Style Opportunity for Students
Background on President Scholz: He was announced as the BOT's choice for the new UO president in March last year, to begin over the Summer of 2023. His background in economics, more specifically his research and work on equitable higher education, made him an appealing choice for the BOT. Previously, he was the Dean of Letters and Science at the University of Wisconsin after working under the Bush administration from 1990 to 1991 on the Council of Economic Advisors and under the Clinton Administration from 1997 to 1998 in the Treasury Department.
John Scholz, the University of Oregon's 19th president, enthusiastically assumed his position in July of last year, referring to it as "the opportunity of a lifetime." However, his appointment by the board of trustees has raised concerns about whose interests he represents. Several board members have financial investments that oppose student interests, such as Tim Boyle, who sits on the Board of Trustees (BOT) and the Board of Directors for NW Natural.
Scholz has spent much of his life in higher education, emphasizing equitable accessibility. However, he is an economist at heart. While his values align closely with the board's, he is out of touch with student demands. This discrepancy has been evident in his failure to address harmful University investments as university president, which has drawn criticism from student groups like Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP).
SJP has been vocal in including Scholz in its protests, often chanting slogans demanding accountability for the university's financial decisions. While Scholz is less than a year into his appointment, we all know his name around campus, though perhaps not in the most favorable light.
“President Scholz! You Can't Hide! You send Funds To Genocide!”
The chants are followed by demands of divestment and the boycott of companies tied to Israel's ongoing genocide against Palestine. Their calls heard across campus highlight the contention that Scholz prioritizes BOT interests over those of the student body. This sentiment is expected to be reiterated at the upcoming student listening session on April 23rd in the EMU Redwood Auditorium from 4-5 pm. The event, sponsored by ASUO, is open to all students, but specific demands, such as the Boycott, Divest, and Sanction (BDS) campaign, will likely take center stage. We have several articles detailing the demands of that campaign HERE. Another possible topic for discussion is President Scholz and the board's decision to “punt” the decision on UO polluting gas boilers. The decision followed a massive turnout by Climate Justice League (CJL) students and other student organizations at the recent board meeting. Fossil Free Eugene, a local environmental conservation organization, described the BOT’s response to impassioned student testimonies as “inaction and endless delays.”
Students advocating for change are not strangers to delays and avoidance; activism is a discipline that requires consistent pressure. However, the ability to ask those who are choosing to stall positive change “Why?” is cathartic to the cause. Scholz should expect to be faced with students seeking answers to these questions and should provide conclusions, not just false promises.
Both SJP and CJL are attempting to make changes that have the potential to impact the state of Oregon. This should demonstrate the power that both Scholz and the BOT hold. As Oregon's flagship public university, UO plays a pivotal role in the state's economy, with an estimated annual impact of $1.2 billion. Decisions made by the board and Scholz regarding the allocation of funds can have far-reaching implications, making it crucial for students to actively participate in shaping university policies.
The unmet student demands surrounding President Scholz reflect broader tensions between student interests and institutional governance. Students must demand transparency, accountability, and representation from university leadership, ensuring that decisions align with the values and aspirations of the entire campus community.
