[ OUR OPINION ]
University regents should
be wary of infringing
on rightsEVAN Dobelle was criticized for acting inappropriately when he appeared on a one-minute television commercial days before the November 2002 election to endorse Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mazie Hirono. His public preference caused lasting discomfort in relations between the University of Hawaii president and Governor Lingle. But any attempt by the UH Board of Regents to forbid such political activity by university employees in the future would be worse than inappropriate. It would be unconstitutional.
THE ISSUE
A college-accrediting team has recommended that the University of Hawaii "depoliticize" its affairs.
The university's current policy allows employees to engage in political activity as long as they make plain that their political views "in no manner represent the university." It also says they must use "appropriate discretion" in exercising their political rights, and their activities should "result in no em- barrassment to the university" -- requirements that, if enforced, probably would infringe on employees' First Amendment right to free speech.
An accrediting team from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges has urged the UH board to "depoliticize the affairs of the university," noting that "the long-term strength of the UH depends on a bipartisan coalition of university supporters." Board Chairwoman Patricia Lee says she can "read between the lines" to infer a reference to Dobelle's Hirono endorsement.
Dobelle said in the commercial that he was speaking as an individual. A loyal Democrat, Dobelle was treasurer of the Democratic National Committee, was finance chairman of former President Jimmy Carter's re-election campaign and was a protocol official in the Carter White House. He pointed out that former UH President Albert Simone supported John Waihee in both of his successful gubernatorial campaigns, although at a lower profile.
Dobelle's endorsement of Hirono created the unusual situation of the "CEO" backing a Democrat, and labor -- the faculty union -- backing the Republican. During election seasons, faculty members often are seen at curbs sign-waving for their favorite candidates.
Private companies can impose rules on their employees' political activities. For example, most news organizations disallow their reporters from running for public office or openly engaging in activity in ways that compromise their impartiality in reporting the news. Government agencies -- and UH is such an entity -- are forbidden by the First Amendment from imposing such rules.
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Vince Goo’s athletes
got game and degreesIN COLLEGE athletics, a coach's value is largely appraised in wins and losses. By that yardstick, Vince Goo comes in at the top of the heap as the winningest coach in University of Hawaii women's basketball history.
THE ISSUE
The long-time coach for women's basketball at the University of Hawaii has said he will retire after this season.
That's a hard mark to beat, but Goo -- who announced his retirement this week after 20 seasons, 17 as head coach -- excelled by another measure. He holds a 100 percent graduation rate. This means that every player who went through her four years of eligibility in the UH program earned a college degree.
Their achievement signifies Goo's commitment to academics, which often is considered secondary in the realm of college sports. Unlike their male counterparts, most women athletes aren't bound for professional sports and so aren't hoping to use their college years as stepping stones to big-money careers in the show. Their education and diplomas are what they are counting on.
Tiffany Fujimoto, a former Wahine guard who is now a nurse in California, said Goo not only taught basketball, "he wanted us to be good students and good people."
Goo compiled a 331-162 record with 10 postseason berths, including five NCAA tournaments and five to the WNIT. He was chosen 1998 West Athletic Conference West Division coach of the year and snagged three coach of the year titles in the Big West.
But of all the distinctions, Goo is most pleased with his graduation rate. Perfection is difficult; no one will make every basket, win every game, he said. His flawless academic score is a dazzling feat. He should be proud.
