Pass: Complaint filers fight for their rights

The individuals who filed complaints against Eric Dannenmaier, former College of Law dean, alleging he sexually harassed them by making comments of a sexual nature in the workplace have consistently stood up for their rights and spoken up about the experiences Title IX investigators found “more likely than not” to have occurred — something that can be very challenging to do for individuals who may have been harassed.

Because this can be such a difficult feat, it is empowering to have seen the former employees submit their Title IX complaints and reach out to officials requesting official documentation related to the alleged incident.

Because the internal investigation found harassment likely occurred, it seems the individuals overcame degradation and humiliation to seek justice and end the cycle of misconduct.

Fail: NIU to see effects of state tax increase

Human Resources officials distributed an email to university employees Friday informing them payroll will see the effects of the state tax increase beginning with Monday’s payment, meaning faculty and staff are going to take an immediate hit because of the actions of state lawmakers.

The withholding rate is being increased from 3.75 to 4.95 percent, which will be reflected in employees’ decrease in post-tax wages. It also may mean additional income tax may be owed for the 2017 tax year, according to the email.

Though the tax hike, which was made effective July 1, is what allowed lawmakers to finally pass a full budget after nearly three endless, tight years without complete appropriations, it’s sad to see the reality of the increase — a reality in which faculty and staff are repaying the debt of incompetent lawmakers.