I would like to comment on the editorial apearing in The Northern Star Feb. 13, “VP Hunt Going Nowhere.” If the intention of the editorial was to discuss the direction of the vice president search, then I missed the point.

The editorial states “the biggest problem still remains that none of the candidates meet NIU standards, or at least what NIU standards should be.” If the candidate did not meet the NIU standards, it is my belief that they should not have been granted an inteview. Furthermore, is there any hard and fast evidence to validate this accusation.

The fact that Dr. Henley does not reside within the DeKalb area is not a factor. You will find that most (not all) blacks who are from Chicago working at NIU would prefer not to live in this area. The DeKalb community, especially if we remove the few events NIU offers, provides no social, cultural, educational, recreational or spiritual events for blacks.

Therefore, I would say where the vice president resides should not be an issue. On the other hand, it would be important to ascertain the answers to the following questions: Has Dr. Henley missed work/events more than any other acting vice president because of where she lives? What are the effects (both positive and negative) on NIU as to where Dr. Henley resides? (Note: not perceived effects but actual effects.)

Flecia R. Thomas

Associate Director

Programming and Activities