It was more than a bit ironic that Durward Long, Sangamon State University president, spoke to the Board of Regents Thursday about a new sexual harassment policy at his university.

Seven SSU faculty members filed charges of sexual harassment against Long to the Human Rights Commission. The charges were filed shortly after Long returned from a 60-day leave of absence for fatigue and alcohol abuse.

That leave of absence came amid allegations that while drunk he had made physical advances toward two female students at an Aug. 26 pig roast.

What’s even more interesting is Regents Chairman Carol Burns’ suggestion that Chancellor Roderick Groves closely monitor attitudes at SSU regarding sexual and other kinds of discrimination at the university.

It does not take a close monitor to see that quite a few people at SSU believe the president should have been disciplined.

In a letter to faculty members, Patricia Langley, an associate professor of legal studies and women’s studies at SSU, stated, “As you can imagine, the Board’s decision last week, returning Dr. Long to the presidency with no disciplinary action whatsoever, very much surprised us.”

Considering the allegations and charges against Long, and the critical attitude at SSU against him, it seems to have been a mistake to allow the president to discuss SSU’s brand new sexual harassment policy.

Perhaps at the next Regents meeting, they should invite Jim Bakker of the beleaguered PTL ministries for his advice on how to run an organization.

And of course, former NIU President Clyde Wingfield should be brought in for his advice on interior decorating.