I wholeheartedly agree with the editiorials in the Nov. 29 Star regarding the Martha Palmer situation and the Shaw brothers’ involvement. To me, the situation is out of hand.

I understand that Ms. Palmer has started the appeals process through proper channels at NIU. And if Ms. Palmer has not yet done so, I suggest that she get a lawyer, and, if appropriate, file suit against NIU, her CHANCE boss, or whomever. With time and patience, maybe Ms. Palmer might win her suit, if her charges have merit.

However, the involvement of students, JLS, and the Freedom for Martha Palmer group, who have now enlisted, misinformed, and inflamed the Shaw brothers, has blown this matter out of proportion. Students have had rallies, broken up Regents’ meetings, and have made strong statements against racism and sexism. I too am against racism and sexism.

But I ask the students supporting Ms. Palmer: what is your goal? I sincerely doubt if NIU would re-hire Ms. Palmer overnight, and I certainly doubt that NIU/CHANCE would ever re-hire anybody because of protests, interrupted Regents’ meetings, threats and now extortion threats from a misinformed legislator who threatens NIU funding cuts. Forcing anybody to do anything via threats and extortion is no way to win friends and influence people. If you really want to help Ms. Palmer, why don’t you organize fund-raisers to help pay her legal costs, should she decide to file suit?

We do not live in a world where one always receives instant gratification. All good things take time. If Ms. Palmer has a legitimate complaint, it can best be resolved, with time and patience, by going through appropriate appeals channels and possible legal channels—not by threats and extortion.

It’s fine for anyone to make a statement on something, such as being against racism and sexism. But now that statement has already been made, repeatedly. If you do not at least discourage the rampant mud-slinging and misinformation (though perhaps well-intentioned) brought about by some students, protest groups, and the Shaws, I think you will only do your cause more harm than good.

Timothy Johnson

Graduate