Kansas Board of Regents, Social Media Policy: A Response to KSU President Schulz

 A lot has been written lately about the Kansas Board of Regents new Social Media Policy. If you aren't up to speed, I recommend that you read Phil Nel's blog which offers insightful analysis of the many deficiencies of the policy and links to the policy itself and other commentary on it. (Thanks Phil).

Today, KSU President Kirk Schulz  finally made a public statement. You can read it here.

Here is the text of the email I sent him:

Dear President Schulz,

Thank you for finally speaking out publicly about this new and extremely damaging policy.

I was especially drawn to the following paragraph:

"When the Kansas Board of Regents voted this policy into place, they made it clear we need to continue a broad-based conversation on social media with all constituent groups. It is my intention to work closely with KU Chancellor Gray-Little and the other presidents in collaboration with the Kansas Board of Regents on modification of the policy to one that is acceptable to all in the Kansas higher education community. This will require continued dialog among the different constituent groups and a willingness by all parties to be patient as everyone has an opportunity to present alternative views."

I am dismayed to observe that you do not specifically mention faculty or staff as "constituent groups." Indeed, you seem to envision a process whereby Regents and high-level Administrators "modify" the policy.

I personally find this to be unacceptable on two counts:

First, the policy is not amenable to "modification." It must be thrown out and completely re-envisioned.

Second, this process of designing a social media polity must involve faculty and staff as well as administrators and Regents. No one constituency should be allowed to dominate the conversation.

Very best wishes,

Christina Hauck

He got right back to me! Here's his reply:

Christina

Thanks for your note - and let me clarify.  Any changes to the policy - and many are needed- must be done with faculty and staff as leaders on the process.  I apologize that I was not more explicit in my letter.

Regards,

Kirk

So I returned the favor:

Dear Kirk,

Thanks for the prompt reply. I am heartened.

Perhaps you will consider revising the paragraph to reflect your actual intentions?  I offer the following suggestion:

It is my intention to work closely with KU Chancellor Gray-Little and the other presidents in collaboration with the Kansas Board of Regents on modification of the policy to one that is acceptable to all in the Kansas higher education community faculty, staff, and Adminstrators from all Kansas Regents institutions to craft an alternate social media policy and offer to the Board of Regents for their input and approval."

Very sincerely,

Christina Hauck