To the editor:

The Aug. 20 Saturday Column concerning KU’s declining rankings in the U.S. News and World Report rating of the top 50 public universities made a great deal of sense.

Rather than ignore the rankings, KU should assess and reassess its goals and values. There may be something to be learned from the way that other colleges and universities organize their priorities. It seems that in recent years much time, money and energy have been directed toward sports and the university’s public image rather than substantive educational improvements. Perhaps this is a reflection of how our state values public education, but is this the kind of practice our educational system really wants to continue? What can we expect from such a trend in the long run?

As citizens, perhaps it is time to speak up and act in support of education and an educational system that truly values learning and educators.

Candice Davis,

Lawrence