The letter by Victor Okhuysen in the Monday Collegian pointing out that my concerns about salary differentials should be put in the context of "real life," is interesting. He argues that life should be fair and equitable but, it is not. Thus, by implication, I assume that Victor is suggesting that when cases arise that are unfair and inequitable, we should simply roll over, ignore the problems, and chalk it up to "life is real." Well, there are plenty of people who don't buy such a whimpy view.

In this context, I want to mention that some of Victor's assumptions are erroneous. First, he suggests that those in business DESERVE more money because that is the only way the University can attract quality faculty. He talks about the "experience" of some in business being a factor in what we need to offer them.

Well, people in business are not the ONLY ones who come with considerable experience. Also, there has never been any proof demonstrated of that assertion. Is it true that if we offered/paid less, that we would be necessarily obtaining inferior faculty? Show me the facts. How does this argument apply to brand new faculty who have NO experience whatsoever?

Second, real life in some sectors does regulate compensation levels so that faculty with similar experience and academic qualifications earn approximately the same. I only have to point to the State System of Higher Education and the teachers in public schools in Pennsylvania to support the idea that life can be real opposite to how Victor thinks it must be.

Third, Victor seems to think that each college is in control of its salary budget and that some colleges have "decided" to pay less because they can recruit faculty for lower salaries. Nothing could be further from the truth. Colleges don't determine their salary budget, central administration does. Central administration values some colleges more than others. Central administration allows some sectors of the University to subsidize others; higher salaries for business and engineering come out of the hides of faculty and students in colleges like liberal arts or education.

What is most distressing about Victor's commentary is the notion that he seems to accept the status quo as being "real" and thus should be tolerated no matter what. Well, heaven forbid that Victor would ever want to complain that some faculty were treating students unfairly using poor testing methods, or that Penn State would decide to make the tuition in engineering higher because it costs more to pay faculty in engineering ... well, Victor, do you chalk that up to being "real life" too? Or, do you protest because you think you have a case? I certainly know what real life is, and I sure know (I think) what is fair, but ... when there is a large discrepancy between the two, I try to do something about it.

I sure hope that later in your career when you come across practices that you think are out of whack, that you will attempt to do something too. However, from the tone of your letter, I have my doubts.