Semester in review

WE SAY The jury is still out on the last four months’ successes and failures.

After Barack Obama’s historic election in November, we claimed that our time had come to make a mark on the world. At the university, state and national levels, there has been no shortage of change since January.

More striking than this semester’s progress, however, is everything that remains unfinished. A review of the semester is a timely reminder that most important things don’t end with final exams.

At the end of June, Dean of Student Dick McKaig will retire after 38 years at IU. Before then, Provost Karen Hanson must hire a replacement to greet students when they return to campus in August.

After a two-year review period, officials planned to change the name on the Intramural Center this spring. A clumsy proposal to add the name of Bill Garrett, a former IU basketball player, was nixed when his family refused to have his name paired with that of segregationist Ora L. Wildermuth. It’s unclear whether the search for a new name continues or if the University will pass the headache to future generations.

Activists concerned about Coca-Cola’s overseas practices have called on the University to kick the soft-drink manufacturer off campus by ending its exclusive vendor contract. The decision will be made during the summer when the Unversity’s current contract with Coca-Cola expires.

At the Statehouse, legislators narrowly resisted advancing an amendment that would add a property tax cap to the state constitution. Largely a public relations gimmick, the amendment would have restricted local governments’ ability to provide local services in the long run.

Civil rights advanced in a number of states, with gay marriage being legalized in Iowa and Vermont. Both states significantly expanded national debate on the issue. Iowa became the first state in the Midwest, and Vermont the first by legislative rather than judicial action, to allow same-sex couples to marry.

In Washington, Barack Obama has faced a sequence of challenges since his inauguration. Managing an economic crisis has sapped his time. He has, however, taken steps toward closing Guantanamo as well as improving international relations. But will he find time to address other priorities, such as health care reform? 

As you sit by the pool this summer, don’t hesitate to pick up a newspaper. The change you’ve been following for the past four months is only just beginning.