The Minority Report

Today, Harris County DA Chuck Rosenthal announced that he would retry ousted TSU President Priscilla Slade.  This comes as no surprise to the Minority Report.  He’s out for Priscilla’s Blood and he’s going to get it. Most likely a change of venue will be filed on this case since everyone in the city has decided whether she is innocent or guilty.  As I stated yesterday, TSU will continue to suffer as long as this dark cloud hangs.  GET ON WITH IT ALREADY!!!!  Either give her life or like old buddy Cinque on Amistad, “Give her FREE!”

Yesterday Jurors in the State of Texas versus Priscilla Slade case announced that they were deadlocked 6-6 .  State District Judge Brock Thomas declared a mistrial in the case.  Supporters of Slade call it justice while critics say this sets a bad precedent for those that seek to fiscally mismanage state and student dollars.  Most agree that it’s time to move away from this negative publicity that continues to plague the university.  The prosecutors in the case have declared that they are going to retry the ousted President, while others cry to leave well enough alone.  I personally never felt she should have went to jail whether she was found guilty or not.   Sometimes I think the results of justice being carried out can be more damaging then an actual conviction.  Innocent or Guilty,  Priscilla Slade can never again work as an university president or even as an accountant, the damage has been done, and the mountain has fallen.  Let’s move on for the good of the university.

Yesterday Governor Rick Perry’s Office released as statement regarding Texas Southern University being placed under conservatorship.  The interesting thing about this action is that it comes against the recommendation of the Governor’s own TSU Blue Panel Commission.  I don’t think Gov. Perry gets it. Texas Southern University does have financial issues this is true.  But understand that these issues have come as a result of his actions.  He appointed the board that he has now asked to resign.  Now, he is going to appoint this conservator.  Mr. Governor, it may be time to return TSU to the hands of those that it serves.  Perhaps the answer is simply stop appointing folks that are owed political favors and start appointing folks that are going to take a strong stance in reforming the university.   Mr. Perry proceeded to take this action after receiving a letter from State Rep. Garnet Coleman and Sen. Rodney Ellis who represent Texas Southern University, and 15 other legislators asking him not to take conservatorship as an option.  I think it’s about time for Gov. Perry to start listening and stop hearing his own drummer. 

See Chronicle Link:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4714348.html