This is another plea to NIU students and Board of Regents members. Stop Durward Long’s appointment to the newly created Vice Chancellor of Strategic Planning.

Long, former Sangamon State University president, will keep collecting paychecks from SSU in Springfield.

While in that position, Long was charged with sexual harassment, creating a hostile working environment and scores of other sexist actions. He also had to take some time off to control his drinking problem.

But the Regents and Chancellor Roderick Groves officially say Long is more of an asset than a liability and that’s why he got the job. But anyone looking at this man and his record can see he is a disaster waiting to happen.

It would appear Long is calling in old favors or he has something on the Regents-enough to get him this job.

Please, Regents. Do what is right and stop Long now. Nothing that the 40,000 plus students in the Regency system, consisting of NIU, SIU and Illinois State University.

Students need to phone and write the Regents to tell them this appointment is crazy. Also let NIU officials know Long doesn’t deserve to be in higher education, let alone get a promotion.

Here are the numbers: Board of Regents (217) 782-3770. NIU President John La Tourette’s office 753-9500.