IU not just a business\nAs a committee begins searching for the next chancellor of the Bloomington campus, the entire IU community -- students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and other constituencies -- should seize this opportunity to reflect on what kind of university we want to be.\nThe new chancellor, who will also be the senior vice president for academic affairs for the eight-campus system, will be President Adam Herbert's senior academic adviser.\nExpectations for such a complex position are high and varied. The chancellor must be an effective administrator, manager, fund raiser, etc. Just as important as these skills are the candidates' core beliefs and demonstrated excellence in research, teaching and learning.\nIU has no shortage of senior officials eager to make the case that our school is an engine driving the state economy -- an argument that seems intended to appeal to the state legislature and the business community. I urge the committee to search for a chancellor who will speak to other constituencies, particularly students, parents and faculty. From my perspective, the mission of this university is to foster the personal growth of each student and to help them develop intellectually, ethically, physically and socially to the full extent of their potential. \nWhile this commitment to liberal education might not be at odds with preparing our students for careers, it cannot be equated to turning out employees for Indiana business and industry.\nEducation is about more than economics! \nWe need a chancellor who understands that our university is more than a corporation -- one who will uphold IU as a special place of the mind and spirit. Who will inspire our community with a hunger to pursue learning until our final breaths? Who will model the intellectual curiosity and vigorous scholarship to which we should all aspire?\nNotwithstanding the importance of the other duties, I urge the committee to identify candidates who are not merely administrators, but who are recognized scholars in their disciplines and who have demonstrated excellence as teachers. We need a leader who will advance this campus's commitment to teaching and learning.
Claude Cookman\nSchool of Journalism associate professor
Truth about Japanese history\nAs one who has long advocated for a more balanced view of Japan among my Chinese friends, I have been critical of some of the arguments I have heard recently regarding Sino-Japanese relations. I also most definitely respect and advocate that one should try to move beyond conflicts from previous generations. Under the correct circumstances, I also can imagine a role for Japan in the U.N. Security Council. \nWith that said, I was flabbergasted when I read Cameron Thibos's column and saw his claim that, "Japan's interpretation of history is most likely as accurate as the version condoned by the People's Republic of China." Having studied in China for many years, I can tell you China's version of what the Japanese did in China from 1937 to 1945 pretty much matches up with the view held in the United States (and nearly every other country). The version put forth in the disputed textbooks is nearly as radical as the position held by those who claim the Holocaust never happened. This text does not line up with historical records of Japanese atrocities and dismisses the claims of thousands of women who said they were used as sex slaves by the Japanese military. In regards to World War II, Japan is no Germany. \nWhile I think the vandalism against Japanese property recently has been disgraceful, I am sadly disappointed to see ignorance masquerading as an opinion in the Indiana Daily Student. If one does not know the facts of the situation, how can one truly have a proper opinion?
Art Lathrop\nGraduate student
