The University of Guam cannot have it both ways. Complain about the lack of cash and link it to accreditation loss or at least the “visit part,” and when the media covers the plight, if you will, its spokesperson will call Newstalk K-57 (Feb. 1, 2007) and complain about the media coverage, in this case the sub headline on Page 2 of PDN (Feb. 1, 2007) that alluded to the cash shortfall and that it might affect accreditation.
It is disingenuous for the university to downplay the accreditation loss and say things like, “It takes years to lose accreditation and you have to be a basket-case. . .” Why? While there are many stages such as show cause and probation to an eventual accreditation loss, it is a drag on the institution’s image and it affects student and faculty morale.
I am aware that the university is under pressure from the so-called “stakeholders,” the political funds (it has happened under many administration) to always paint a positive picture regardless of the circumstances. But if you cannot speak out in a bastion of free thought and free speech, where can you? And has the university thought of how the reporter and the editor who did the story felt when they hear comments such as “It is not true,” with regards to the headlines?
Moreover, the PDN publisher, Lee P. Webber, is a strong advocate for the university (UOG recognized that and awarded him a honorary doctorate) and has even served on the Board of Regents but was blocked the second time around in the 27th Legislature by Sunshine Democrats who worked for Carl T.C. Gutierrez, not necessarily the people of Guam. So it is “damn” if you do and “damn” if you don’t. If PDN doesn’t cover the accreditation issue, they will be accused of biasness because Republicans are running amok all over and they are his friends and if PDN covers it, they will be “chastised” by the institution.
Like I said before, if not for PDN, there will be lot more corruption and FEAR in this community.

MATT PHILIPS
Mangilao, Guam