Thanks to Ryan Dunn for the front-page article in the Jan. 8 Post noting the lack of female representation on the OUPD staff. This is especially lamentable because one of the 3 finalists for the recently filled OUPD chief position was a highly qualified woman who is currently an assistant chief at another large Ohio university.
I would ask for some accountability from the hiring committee and other officials as to why this woman was not hired. If she had been, it would have made a huge difference in OU's ability to attract other women officers.
I find it very strange that David Hopka, assistant vice president for Safety and Risk Management, who was instrumental in the hiring process, says the problem is Athens' isolated location. As noted above, OU had a fine candidate who was very interested in relocating here, so I don't think that argument holds water.
The fact that there is only one woman police officer here in 2009 is not acceptable. Who can address this and change it? Can The Post look into this further?
Jan Griesinger is a resident of Athens.
4 Opinion
Letter to the Editor
