Editor’s note: This letter is in response to the editorial cartoon published in Monday’s issue of the Daily Lobo.
Editor,
I want to express my concern about the recent editorial cartoon depicting Provost Chaouki Abdallah as a vampire biting the neck of a woman representing the students of UNM. While I realize that editorial cartoons are designed to provoke thought and discussion, perhaps even outrage as your publications board has indicated in the past, this one was one-dimensional, unfair and, frankly, inaccurate.
It portrayed the students of UNM as apathetic to the decision to extend Dr. Abdallah’s term as provost, implying that he has done little to improve academic conditions on campus while serving in an interim capacity this past year. That portrayal actually does a disservice to the students and to the provost. Our students are concerned and involved, especially in matters that pertain to academics. I found the stereotype of UNM students to be offensive.
With regard to Provost Abdallah, he has a tremendous record of improving services to our students. Just last week, we announced a 2.5 percent increase in retention rate, the biggest jump in the past 10 years. Provost Abdallah was the driving force behind that improvement.
A sophisticated student newspaper acknowledges accomplishments and puts them in perspective. Informing our campus requires a balance that reflects the good, the bad and even the indifferent. Of course, your readers expect you to hold officials accountable, but also to inspire and impress when those same officials are doing a good job. This provost appointment is a missed opportunity to do so.
I reached out to and met with a few members of the Daily Lobo staff right after I took office (or right after I was hired in this position) and I look forward to meeting with the rest of you and your publications board soon. I am supportive of the importance of having an independent student voice on campus. I also feel strongly that this voice should be responsible, fair and accurate, even on the opinion page. I hope others will express their opinions about the efforts by Provost Abdallah and his staff to help UNM excel academically.
Robert Frank
UNM President
