Written by Joe Summit
I opened up my copy of The Bison today and read the front page story describing Harding University’s new stance on the Arkansas Lottery with my jaw on the ground.Before I begin my diatribe, let me confirm that I understand this article: since the money is used for scholarships, Harding is willing to completely reverse its stance on whether or not lottery tickets constitute gambling? Give me a break. I understand that this lotto money is going to be a large sum that the University would like a piece of, and that’s fine. I would have no problem at all if University reps had stated as much. But instead of calling the spade a spade, we get a statement designed to absolve Harding of all moral responsibility on the issue while simultaneously positioning it to accept lotto-funded scholarships. This, friends, is a complete cop-out in my eyes. It seems to me that the art of spinning a subject has moved beyond the political realm in this instance. And since when did Harding consider the “wide range of beliefs” of its faculty and staff when making policy? This is news to a former student who didn’t even have the choice to live off campus, even as a senior. And as I recall, the University did not take my personal “belief” that having a drink or two does not make one into a raging alcoholic when deciding that drinking went against its mission. Maybe if Budweiser decides to start donating 3 cents per can to scholarships for students in AR this policy will be amended as well. I didn’t see anything about this in the article, but I’ll wager (no pun intended) that hopping on the bus and going to Tunica is still considered gambling and thus prohibited. Perhaps that will change when the law allows Hot Springs to install some casinos. I have no doubt that many angry letters will be sent concerning this issue, and deservedly so. Harding has, in my view,chosen the dollar bill over integrity and accountability on this issue. Harding, you can’t have your cake and eat it too.Joe SummittClass of 2004
