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Show I 1 ': t V i i t 1 1- r n I (( o n 0( OiMn i Volume 39 Number 1 September 29, 1978 ) I t I I r Brady defends freedom "This institution is here for the students ; no question about that. Our primary responsibility is to see that students that attend here or receive the program out into the community, receive the finest education they could possibly get," said newty appointed Weber State College President Rodney H. Brady. During an interview with Signpost editors Tuesday, Dr. Brady said he feels that part of receiveing an education is to "receive an understanding of a broad range of thoughts, ideas, concepts, and philosophies". Dr. Brady, emphasized that there ought to be a varity of positions described and understood by students; "that's all part of the learning process I believe". Dr. Brady stressed the need for academic freedom and the freedom of self expression. However, he underscored the need for caution before "one makes attacks on those whom one relies up on for support." "It would be foolish, it seems to me, to do that which would cause the legislature to not be favorable to us or to provide the funds necessary to continue our programs," Dr. Brady said. President Brady said he would defend anyone who was describing or presenting a wide range of ideas which are presented in a "balanced way" rather than "irresponsibly attacking some particular institution or idea." he said, "We should be particulary sensitive if attacking that institution would cause this institution to lose its support." "If this instituion was to lose its support", he continued, "that would deny academic freedom for many. Because there won't be an institution or at least the institution won't be here as or in the same force that it is or would be otherwise." According to Dr. Brady, Ogden has a "very healthy" spectrum of community diversity. "We have a broad range of ethnic backgrounds and a broad range of religious backgrounds. And I think that these institutions need to have an opportunity to express themselves," he noted. "Part of the health of an academic climate is to get a broad range of religious and philosophical ideas," said Dr. Brady. The President says he intends to solicite the very best thinking of Weber State's leadership. "I intend to meet with WSC leadership frequently and expose them to ideas and proposals in process," he said. "But most directly of course, Studentbody President Greg Garfield, a member of our Institutional Council would, I trust, come to those council meetings prepared to present the student's point of view," he remarked. Dr. Brady encouraged student attendance at Institutional Council meetings, by adding "students who attend those meetings will be given an opportunity to ask question." "As far as the faculty is concerned, I intend to meet regularly with the Faculty Senate. I am very anxious to make sure that their complete thinking is also brought to bare," Dr. Brady said. In conclusion, Dr. Brady relaid the importance of achain-of-command relationship between himself and the Board of Regents. "I serve at the pleasure of the Board of Regents, they have the power not only to appoint me but to remove me. The Board of Regents are appointed by the Governor and are intended to be representitives of the community that we serve," he continued, "I manage the affairs of this college in such a way that it is consistent with the way the community wants it to be run." WSC position 1 on saiari raiefa By Beverly Taggart Staff Reporter An "informal" attorney general's opinion was issued last August advising the college not to release salary information of persons employed at Weber State College. Last March, the Signpost requested a list of individual salaries of employees on campus and has so far been denied access to the information.In June, 1977, the Utah State Records Committee classified all state employees's salaries as public information, and colleges and universities have refused to comply with the law. Assistant Attorney General Brinton R. Burbidge, said in the "informal" opinion that "individuals have a constitutionally protected right of privacy in which is included the right to maintain confidential and private personal financial information. The Utah State Legislature has taken steps to insure that this right is not violated. Violations of this right by the state, its agencies, and officials may result in exposure to substantial liability even if the action is taken under color of state law." Weber State College legal counselor concluded in the opinion that "since non-disclosure does not result in liability and disclosure may result in liability, I advise you not to release personally identifiable salary information." However, in the past the Institutional Council has released "personally identifiable salary information" through their monthly agendas, which is also "public" information. According to the Lt. Governor's Office, before July, 1977, salary information was classified as "private," and disclosure of such information was a direct violation of state laws. Records of Institutional Council, dated May 18, 1977, show salary information was released to the press with individual names and salaries of new hires on campus. When questioned about the agendas, Burbidge said that releasing that salaries was not a violation of any laws. "Releasing that information depended on the Institutional Council," the assistant attorney general remarked. "Before July, 1977, if the council wanted to release any salary information, they could." The Council then stopped releasing salaries on the agendas after the classification was made "public" and after the Signpost requested a complete list. The Records - Committee minutes for July 28, 1977, state that State Auditor, "Richard G. Jensen made the motion that names and salary information of all state employees in state agencies and institutions be retained as public Data ; also that all state agencies be allowed access to all privite Data of State Agencies and State Institutions in the normal course of their official business unless otherwise prohibited by law. The Records Committee approved." Voting in favor of the motion was attorney General Robert B. Hansen and Lt. Governor David S. Monson. Inaugural festivities Inaugural festivities for incoming President Rodney H. Brady will shut down all WSC campus activity after 11 a.m. on October 10. This shut down will be, according to a faculty memo, "In order to allow students and faculty to participate in the Inaugural activities." The memo signed by Dello G. Dayton and D. Parry Wilson instructs all faculty and staff to maintain offices and other campus services, including classes, "only on a limited as needed to permit as many staff personnel as possible to participate in the inauguralactivities." |