To the editor:

Is Kansas University’s cup half empty or half full? Or maybe running over? The April 11 Saturday Column took a well-deserved shot at the “lack of support” from the Legislature. Given the outright hostility shown by some legislators, maybe we will need to change our description from state-assisted university to state-impeded university. The Board of Regents also took a justified hit. We thought they were allies until they drew up the absurd policy on social media (under intense pressure from some legislators) that allows employees to be fired for any communication that “impairs … harmony among coworkers,” and many other provocations. The usual gratuitous jab at the chancellor seemed entirely unwarranted.

On the other, KU added three new distinguished professors and five Foundation Distinguished Professors in the past year, rewarding years of searches by highly qualified, dedicated search committees.  Cumulatively, this group of world-class scholars received less notice from the Journal-World than the average basketball recruit, although they are each likely to stay more than one year. The sports recruit can look forward to being featured in multiple multi-page stories during a year at KU. The scholar’s next coverage might be in the obituaries, unless she happens to win a Nobel Prize (or write to the editor). Why not expand coverage of the many positive things happening on the Hill? The folks of Lawrence might like to know; maybe even some legislators will take notice.