Letter to the Editor

By DANA TOPOUSIS — dtopousis@ucdavis.edu

Dear Editor:

I take issue with your editorial claiming a lack of transparency with Chancellor May. Since 2017, Chancellor May has met in person with The Aggie editorial board every quarter for an hour and answered a range of tough questions. In this quarter’s meeting alone, the editors asked about campus safety, student deaths, athletics, corporate board service, sustainability and university priorities. He has never put a limit on what questions the board might ask or refused to answer any. He’s astutely aware that his responses will be made public and that every answer will be examined, criticized and debated. 

In this editorial, the editors portray dissatisfaction from community members about his responses to claim a lack of transparency and accountability. For one thing, Chancellor May was clear that during an ongoing investigation, he cannot provide more details despite the demands that he do so. He knows people will disagree with him on any number of topics, but disagreement is not evidence of a lack of transparency. Advocates like those groups mentioned in the editorial (Justice4Lincoln, Students for Environmental Liberation and Save Davis Equestrian) have their own perspectives and though they might disagree with a process or decision, it’s understandable that they would find the Chancellor’s responses unsatisfying. That does not equate to a lack of transparency or communication.

I appreciate that not every member of our community liked his responses, but he did provide answers. Despite that dissatisfaction, Chancellor May and his leadership team have met and will continue to meet with individuals or groups who have ideas about how to improve campus operations. 

As the Aggie editors themselves have noted over the years, few university leaders meet regularly with student journalists and make themselves available to meet directly with students, faculty and staff. In his very willingness and openness to talk with any member of the campus community, he has created an environment where he actively listens to feedback and ideas, no matter how difficult. I’ve witnessed this many times in a variety of settings over the years. I recognize that the editors were offended that Chancellor May suggested that students who have concerns should approach him directly. That comment was not a disregard for the role that student journalists play, but rather a further reinforcement that he is an accessible leader. The fact that he encourages members of the campus community to approach him directly is not proof that he’s creating barriers to communication. It’s proof that he is removing those barriers, perceived or real.

Chancellor May supports the First Amendment to the Constitution and a democracy that encourages a free press. Student journalists play an essential role in asking difficult questions and holding institutions accountable. They should also be fair, and the Aggie has not been in this editorial. 

Despite this misplaced criticism, Chancellor May remains committed to in-person discussions with members of the community. He will continue to be a strong proponent of transparency. You may disagree with his decisions or responses, but that does not equate to a lack of transparency or communication. 

Dana Topousis

Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

Written by: Dana Topousis — dtopousis@ucdavis.edu