[76lsjumb]

[quote author=stupac2 link=topic=16290.msg182684#msg182684 date=1481905331]
I think you're being way overly generous, I don't see any way to square Etch's statement with what we know of the administration's actions except that he's just lying (or at the very least equivocating), which is exactly what I'd expect from Stanford's bureaucracy (I was flat-out lied to multiple times by various people). My initial reaction to reading it was wild disappointment, but I didn't really know what to say. I do know that I doubt the band is going to get any kind of fair hearing, even with the massive outcry.

Well, I described both a positive and negative spin - don't think I suggested which was more likely correct.

A few bullet responses to your post,

- The Stanford bureaucracy, like all bureaucracies, is actually a lot of individual people making lots of individual decisions. Almost by definition there is a wide range of sincerity and competency among those people. Some acting poorly is not an indication that all act poorly, and I guess some acting earnestly and properly is not an indication that all will. In my own encounters with the Stanford bureaucracy I have certainly encountered both.

- I doubt that Ethchemendy, up to now, has been very involved in the "discussions" between Boardman et al. and the band. Most of what he knows is likely what Boardman has told him. At this point, I see no reason to assume that Etchemendy wouldn't have an open mind as he learns more - and whether he would or not there is no avenue for the band to proceed other than assuming he will have an open mind.

- Speaking to your disappointment, I wonder what kind of letter you would think Etchemendy might have written. I don't think it is possible that he could write a letter to alums at this time that says, in effect, our Vice Provost of Student Affairs is an idiot and a tin-pot dictator whom I intend to over-rule. Even if he does believe that the band was shafted, I don't think that he could write an open letter much different from this. The main thing is that one cannot read too much into the letter either way - I would assume that Etchemendy's main intent is to try to mollify angry alums and students until he can figure out what to do next.
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Thanks for writing this.  Saved me the time and trouble.  I think you nailed it on all counts, particularly the last one.  In a few weeks, of course, Etchemendy will have a chance to put his money where his mouth is, as the saying goes, and then we'll see who's better at reading tea leaves, I guess.

[76lsjumb]

[quote author=stupac2 link=topic=16290.msg182684#msg182684 date=1481905331]
I think you're being way overly generous, I don't see any way to square Etch's statement with what we know of the administration's actions except that he's just lying (or at the very least equivocating), which is exactly what I'd expect from Stanford's bureaucracy (I was flat-out lied to multiple times by various people). My initial reaction to reading it was wild disappointment, but I didn't really know what to say. I do know that I doubt the band is going to get any kind of fair hearing, even with the massive outcry.

Well, I described both a positive and negative spin - don't think I suggested which was more likely correct.

A few bullet responses to your post,

- The Stanford bureaucracy, like all bureaucracies, is actually a lot of individual people making lots of individual decisions. Almost by definition there is a wide range of sincerity and competency among those people. Some acting poorly is not an indication that all act poorly, and I guess some acting earnestly and properly is not an indication that all will. In my own encounters with the Stanford bureaucracy I have certainly encountered both.

- I doubt that Ethchemendy, up to now, has been very involved in the "discussions" between Boardman et al. and the band. Most of what he knows is likely what Boardman has told him. At this point, I see no reason to assume that Etchemendy wouldn't have an open mind as he learns more - and whether he would or not there is no avenue for the band to proceed other than assuming he will have an open mind.

- Speaking to your disappointment, I wonder what kind of letter you would think Etchemendy might have written. I don't think it is possible that he could write a letter to alums at this time that says, in effect, our Vice Provost of Student Affairs is an idiot and a tin-pot dictator whom I intend to over-rule. Even if he does believe that the band was shafted, I don't think that he could write an open letter much different from this. The main thing is that one cannot read too much into the letter either way - I would assume that Etchemendy's main intent is to try to mollify angry alums and students until he can figure out what to do next.
[/quote]

Thanks for writing this.  Saved me the time and trouble.  I think you nailed it on all counts, particularly the last one.  In a few weeks, of course, Etchemendy will have a chance to put his money where his mouth is, as the saying goes, and then we'll see who's better at reading tea leaves, I guess.