The problem with college students (more specifically: students who write for The Post and their bedfellow, Will Klatt) is that they are entirely too critical of leadership. Perhaps it is the naive nature of youth to be skeptical of authority, but when skepticism and cynicism lead to complete and utter contempt toward leaders, as is the case at Ohio University, a cloud of disdain and distrust is created that inhibits positive progress from being made on the core issue. The core issue at OU is the belief that the students' voice should be heard more so than what it currently is. Great, we know this, but protests on College Green or negative opinion pieces written in The Post are not going to bring upon the change that is sought. Perhaps a more civil, professional approach is warranted. Perhaps the protestors and petitioners should trade in their pickets and clip boards for committee meetings and board sessions. Perhaps the time spent writing negative articles could be spent at forums and dialogues. What I am getting at is instead of not trusting the OU administration, instead of yelling and writing, instead of clouding the core issue with negativity, try becoming positively involved by working alongside the administration, not against them. I know this can be done because I have done it. I have been part of change in Residence Life by teaching the RA class; I have been part of change as a member of the Student General Fee Committee; I have been part of change in Judiciaries as a former member of reviewing standards; and I have been part of change by working on the Liberal Arts Task Force. I have been part of change not by being skeptical of the leaders at Ohio University, but rather by respecting them. Try it some time; it works.
Curtis Nash is a senior communication studies public advocacy major.
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Letter to the Editor
