Questioning Crow
On Wednesday night before break, I attended a forum with ASU President Michael Crow at ASU West that was framed as a town-hall meeting. Having witnessed multiple town halls during the presidential election, I jumped at the opportunity to see Crow publicly questioned on his policies during the last seven years.
Like Crow, I came to ASU in 2002. I earned my bachelor’s degree, and I am scheduled to graduate in May with my masters. During Crow’s tenure, before the budget crunch, I saw my tuition triple, class sizes double and scholarships evaporate as freshmen dorm construction and high-tech exercise equipment were given priority over education.
I was hoping to have the chance to voice my concerns; however, I was not given that opportunity. It wasn’t a town-hall meeting.
Instead, it was a totally scripted interview, with prescreened and filtered questions and no follow-ups. Like a father, Crow lectured the audience, telling us how it was. He claimed credit for successes, while blaming a mysterious “we” for failures and unpopular decisions.
The town hall was a Potemkin village set up for the media. Before Crow claims that “we” endorse his “we’s” next decision, I challenge him to a real town-hall meeting.
Brandon Chase Goldsmith
Graduate student
