Surely UNC faculty knew of bogus classes

As a University of North Carolina graduate, I am embarrassed and angry over the revelations concerning 18 years of bogus classes.  For the faculty and leadership to claim they did not know or suspect the fraud in the African and African American Studies Department is ridiculous. Even IF the leadership did not know, certainly the faculty did. College faculties are usually comprised of some of the worst gossips and prima donnas in the universe.

So why didn’t someone stop the fraud? Because, they were hoisted by their liberal, academic petard. To call out the AFAM Department’s lack of academic rigor would have risked being called racist. Few academics would risk such a charge. The faculty looked the other way for 18 years and in doing so became the racists that they were trying to prove they were not. By letting African American students take bogus classes they and the AFAM Department endorsed the racist notion that these young people could not do college level work.

Most of those taking the bogus classes were athletes. We hear of the “pressure” to field great teams.  The “pressure” should be to excel as students first and then as athletes. I never saw or heard of bogus classes in the 1960s when I was there. Athletes were in the same classes as the rest of us. Many were in class with me. Maybe that’s why I watched Wake Forest beat the Tar Heels in the rain one Saturday three to zero in Kenan Stadium. I’ll take losses in the rain if that’s what it takes to get athletes to regular classes.  Colleges and the NCAA use the buzz word “student-athlete” to describe team members. UNC certainly doesn’t have the “student” part anymore. Based on the current football team record, we don’t have many athletes, either.

— Tony Hilton

Landis

Hilton graduated from UNC in 1969.

Excellent choice

Rowan County is fortunate to have some excellent candidates running for county commission. Mr. Gene Miller is one of these excellent choices! I was fortunate to work closely with Mr. Miller in the Rowan-Salisbury School System. Mr. Miller was an asset to the school district and will be an asset to the commission. He will not only bring expertise and competence in finance and facilities to the role, but also an enthusiasm and commitment to excellence that is needed for our county to grow. Mr. Miller’s banking experience provides him with the necessary knowledge to understand our county budget and how it should be managed for maximum growth. Strong networking and communication skills are strengths for Mr. Miller. He will be able to work toward better relationships with all groups in our community. I know that this primary goal is economic development and growing jobs, as well as continually improving our schools for a better workforce. Please remember Mr. Gene Miller for one of our county commissioners.

— Judy Grissom

Salisbury

Teacher of children

I am pleased to endorse Kay Wright Norman for re-election to the school board. My family and I have known Mrs. Norman since her days at Livingstone College and her tenure as a public school music teacher. On every third Sunday at Soldiers Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, one is treated to the sweet voices of her children’s choir. Her life as a music educator dedicated to teaching children music shines through the sound of each note song by her charges.

Mrs. Norman will be quick to note that the children in her choir do not learn the same way we did as youngsters. Our learning was based on activities that required little interaction or thinking about the world or with each other. Today’s humanity demands interaction with knowledge bases and environments that were unheard of during our school days. Fortunately, the interaction between teachers, students, and the world can be enhanced when the new tools of education technology are properly applied.

In addition to the proper use of instructional technology, Mrs. Norman is a vigilant steward of the public trust. She maintains a watchful eye on funds earmarked by law for designated projects one of which is the delayed construction of the central office building. Mandated resources must be properly applied or they will be forfeited. Due to the presence of disruptive special interests who fail to accept this reality and overlook her service to our children, I suggest we vote for Mrs. Kay Wright Norman as part of the M.O.N.K. (Miller, Overcash, Norman, and Kennedy) team of the Rowan-Salisbury School Board.

— Reginald Brown

Salisbury

An obvious choice

It appears that a common theme has surfaced in this year’s county commissioners race. It centers around integrity, cooperation, and displaying a positive attitude. These traits are consistently displayed by Raymond Coltrain. I have never heard anyone question Raymond’s integrity, character or sense of fairness. This is quite a compliment considering that Raymond completed a career in public service.

Our residents are eager to elect a leader who can put partisan politics aside and focus upon creating cooperative change. Raymond chose to run as an unaffiliated candidate because he believes that as he makes important decisions he should not be influenced by political partisanship. To me, this is a very refreshing stance. I have been fortunate to have known Raymond for the past 15 years. He has always impressed me with his caring, mature, and pleasant personality.

Most of us will agree that Rowan County has recently experienced some decisions being made that were embarrassing for us all. I am confident that Raymond displays the maturity and wisdom to make sound decisions that will help us regain confidence in our commission. This year the voters are fortunate to have several outstanding candidates from which to choose. Raymond is obviously the one candidate we all should support. I respectfully invite you to join me in voting for Raymond Coltrain as an unaffiliated candidate for our county commission.

— Alan D. King

Salisbury

Thanks for support

The Executive Committee and the Scholarships Advisory Committee of Salisbury-Rowan PFLAG would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of the benefactors and those who support our named scholarships. To all of the talented artists and businesses who donated an auction item and to those who bid generously on those items, and to all of the attendees who paid admission and gave donations, thank you!

We’d like to extend thanks to all of our awesome entertainers: The Burnt Ends, Blazin’ Blues Bob and The Ashley Jo Farmer Band.

And thanks to our friend, Glenn Hudson (Butch’s Brisket) for the incredible work on the grill and to the Rummage/Williams family for preparing the Low Country boil! All of you combined to make this another successful 2014 PFLAG Autumn Soirée Scholarship Fundraiser! Thanks to your generosity and your personal commitment to our vision and mission, this local PFLAG chapter will be awarding six $1,000 scholarships to deserving Rowan County LGBT students and/or their straight allies for academic year 2015-2016! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

— Michael Clawson

Salisbury

Clawson is president of Salisbury-Rowan PFLAG

Dedicated to help

I would like to endorse James K. Randolph for District Court judge.  James has put his love for Rowan County into action as he has assumed civic responsibility. His leadership of both the United Way and Rowan Helping Ministries shows his dedication to helping the citizens of our county. He commands respect with his integrity and his record of service to others.

James has an even-tempered manner and a wry sense of humor.  He would continue his stewardship of this county in a responsible and appropriate manner and he deserves your vote.

— Margaret Basinger

Salisbury

A pound of civility

Of late, most of us have been a bit frustrated with the Board of Commissioners and their antics.  They have kept us moving, but I am not sure in which direction.

Like Will Rogers, “I only know what I read in the papers,” though I have heard banter from those who should be in the know.

It seems to me that what our board needs most is a pound or two of civility.  Arguments and tempers have flared and citizens seem more agitated in recent months than ever before.  Such an atmosphere is not conducive to good working relationships amongst the interested parties.

So what do we do about it?  We vote to put folks on the board that will bring civility and creativity to board business.

We are fortunate to have several great candidates from all political persuasions in November’s elections.  Take a learned view of the candidates and vote for them.

My personal favorite is Greg Edds, who I have known for a few years. In him I see a wise, strong, experienced person who will bring civility to board operations. Greg is a natural-born and spirited leader, a superb organizer who carefully manages actions he has pressed forward.

Mr. Edds is a strong advocate for education and plans to seek ways to provide a pay raise for county teachers.  This may be difficult, but he will find a way.

He not only says one of his top priorities is bringing more jobs to Rowan County, he actually has a plan to do so. How many folks actually have a plan for that? Talk is cheap, but I am confident that Greg will produce.

I am not likely to vote a “straight” ticket for the board. Join me and my civility campaign. Vote Edds.

— Ty Cobb Jr.

Salisbury

Focus on economy

We want to go on record as endorsing Gene Miller for Rowan County commissioner. He is a native of our county and cares deeply for its people and the prosperity of those living here. His experience as a school district administrator and banker qualify him to handle a variety of problems that plague our county.

Gene is focused on improving Rowan’s economy and bringing in jobs that will keep our county’s residents from moving elsewhere for employment.

He brings excellent credentials to this race, with a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State and a master’s from the University of Virginia.

We admire Gene’s selfless volunteer work in the community and his propensity and passion in solving problems.

In conclusion, we feel that Gene is the most qualified candidate for Rowan County commissioner.

— Bob and Susan Pharr

Salisbury

Five terms telling

I am writing to offer my support to Ms. Kay Wright-Norman for re-election to a sixth term as a member of the Rowan-Salisbury School Board.

I believe that being continuously elected for five terms to represent the citizens of Rowan County shows the overwhelming support Ms. Norman has among the electorate in the county.

I read a recent quote that was included in an article by Jeanie Groh, education reporter for the Salisbury Post. It encouraged voters to do their research before voting and how important the school board race is, especially in establishing the direction of the district and determining  the educational experiences that students will receive.

My research discovered important and convincing reasons why I endorse Ms. Norman’s candidacy. Some of them are:

• Prior experience as a classroom teacher.

• For 15 years, worked with programs that promoted literacy and academic social skills.

• Served in the leadership role as vice chairman of the board for two terms.

• Is an active member of her church and music director for the children and youth choirs.

• Founder and director of a local community choir that performs several concerts a year.

School board members are given the responsibility to approve the annual budget which can impact teacher compensation, working collaboratively with the superintendent and her cabinet and others to provide the vision and establish goals and objectives for the district.

In order to have meaningful input into these important areas of responsibility, it requires knowing what the current and future needs of the district are, the challenges and opportunities it faces and an awareness of trends and direction the education system is heading on local, state and national levels.

I am convinced that a vote for Ms. Kay Wright-Norman is the right choice for school board.

— Quentin Woodward Jr.

Salisbury

Experienced worker

Sandra Sims-Campbell, candidate for register of deeds, is knowledgeable, dependable, honest and dedicated to serving all the citizens of Rowan County.

Sandra Sims-Campbell served as deputy for 16 and one-half years and assistant for the last five and one-half years. While working with me, Sandra cross-trained new employees. She continued performing as trainer while serving with the next two registers of deeds.

Sandra is well-respected by all users of the Register of Deeds Office. She never meets a stranger and always welcomes you with her smile.

Sandra’s 22 years of experience certainly qualifies her to be elected Rowan County register of deeds. I am very proud to be campaigning for Sandra Sims-Campbell to become your working register of deeds.

— Bobbie Earnhardt

Salisbury

The writer is former Rowan County register of deeds.

Be sure to vote

The time to vote has arrived. It would be wise for us to seek out candidates running for office who are willing to work together to move our state and our country forward.

It would also be nice to find candidates who understand that conserving the environment was just as important (necessary) as conserving our finances. The future of our nation and the health of future generations requires that we work together. It’s time for all of us to start doing just that.

It is not about being a conservative or liberal — it is about us!

— Rick Dove

New Bern

Get out the vote

Everybody on the Col-train.

Nothing can stop a train.

— Steve Arey

Salisbury

Endorsements

Letters endorsing candidates in the Nov. 4 election must be received in the Salisbury Post newsroom by 5 p.m. Thursday to be published before Election Day. If you have questions, call Elizabeth Cook at 704-797-4244.