OPINION & EDITORIAL
UW mistreats country’s finest
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Also by David Lapidus:
- Dane's not dead, so pay attention (February 6, 2008)
- Legal migration deserves reform (January 30, 2008)
- Balance market, government roles (January 21, 2008)
Related Stories:
- Americans owe veterans respect, homage (November 8, 2007)
- Better late than never (April 8, 2002)
- Veteran funding must be made a national priority (March 31, 2005)
- Stinging words of betrayal (October 8, 2004)
- Madison dumps partisanship for vets (November 18, 2005)
by David Lapidus
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
It is easy for us to say we care about our nation’s veterans. It is easy for us to say we are for or against the interventions and conflicts in which our nation’s soldiers serve.
It is not so easy to recognize and be responsible for the not-so-obvious burdens facing our veterans, the ones who never make it to the front page. It shames me to say it, but student veterans in the University of Wisconsin System face these kinds of hidden burdens right now. To make matters worse, a few such burdens could be so easily fixed, that they are inexcusable.
The first involves a University of Wisconsin student who served her country honorably as an active duty member of the Air Force. Her name is Laura Geick. Ms. Geick had satisfied every residency requirement necessary to receive in-state tuition upon attending UW. She paid Wisconsin taxes; she had a Wisconsin driver’s license; she even registered to vote and did so four times in Sauk County.
The only “problem” was that she had not been physically present in the state for a year, because she was stationed out-of-state. Despite this, she was denied upon applying for residency status. Only a political intervention by state legislators saved her the burden of paying out-of-state tuition.
Now, I’m not saying veterans who have never lived a day of their lives in Wisconsin should get residency. The injustice here was that a veteran who had a great case for residency was denied solely because of her military service. What makes the situation even more frustrating is how easily this problem can be fixed. Literally, all that is needed is a one-sentence UW policy saying: “For applicants serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed forces, place of employment outside of Wisconsin and lack of physical presence in the state shall not be used to disprove bona-fide residence.” See how easy that was?
There are too many hidden burdens like this one to mention, but here are a few more that are just as easy to resolve.
There is no veteran in the veterans’ department of the Registrar’s Office — the department placed in charge of handling student veterans’ records. As a result, many veterans are left unaware of the financial, social and educational opportunities available to them. Most college campuses have a veteran employed in this department, so why can’t we? The fix: hire a veteran part- or full-time in this department, or at least have a veteran act as a part-time volunteer specialist or liaison.
Nowhere in UW policy does it state the UW System is obligated to help veterans adjust to civilian life. A student veteran asked a UW committee whether or not this was the case a few weeks ago and — after a waffling answer — finally received a firm: “No, we are not obligated.” If we profess to actually care about our veterans, then it is our responsibility to help them return to civilian life and a civilian career, and help them to receive a university education. To keep the university from doing the bare legal minimum, let’s write down some further obligations for which the UW System is accountable.
The UW System is not asking systemic questions about student veterans. For example, the System does ask why few racial minorities attend UW-Madison, but it never asks why UW-Madison ranks the lowest in the UW System for the percentage of student veterans in the student body — .546 percent.
To remain consistent, if faculty are concerned about acceptance and retention rates for one minority, shouldn’t they be concerned about them for all minorities? Plus, there are plenty of other issues to address: campus counseling, housing, unique needs of student veterans, etc. So let’s make a permanent body to annually look at these issues, ask the right questions and have the power to adopt policies to fix any problems.
Now, if you think the UW System is not doing enough for student veterans, here are a few things you can do to help.
Write a letter to President Mark Bradley of the UW Board of Regents, expressing concern over the hidden burdens facing student veterans. Write a letter to Regent Colleene Thomas, UW-Madison’s student representative to the board. And, since we are in the process of picking a new UW-Madison chancellor, speak out at the Search-and-Screen Committee forums Feb. 20, 26 or March 6. Many of these problems are so simple to fix that a note from just a few people may be all that is needed.
So if we really care that student veterans have served us, let’s do some meaningful service for them.
David Lapidus (dlapidus@badgerherald.com) is a junior majoring in economics and mathematics.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 8:24am):
Great article. Good to see this in print rather than another piece on drinking age or the Halloween party.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 10:33am):
"but it never asks why UW-Madison ranks the lowest in the UW System for the percentage of student veterans in the student body .546 percent"
Well, this is partly because it's generally the lower classes of high schoolers who enlist--those who are too poor or (dare I say) not qualified for UW. Yes, many join the armed forces because they can't get into the University or have no intention of doing so. Additionally, by the time many return from their continually-extended tours of duty, they may feel too old to return to classes, or have families and need to join the workforce. And if they have a family, it is likely that they won't move to Madison for courses--instead they will go to local UW schools or other community colleges. Think about it: if you're originally from La Crosse and go to fight in Iraq, you'll be 22 or 23 when you finally are allowed to rejoin civilian life; you may have a wife and/or kids in La Crosse to support. Taking math classes at Madison will probably be the last thing in your mind.
But we can also look at other ways to support vets, such as questioning why our troops are continually redeployed, despite the shown effect on divorce and suicide rates; why they aren't receiving the full benefits they were promised; why VA hospitals are having their funding cut, even as mental illness rates are rising; etc.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 11:59am):
Who cares? They are all a bunch of trigger-happy white males that only like to murder innocent women and children. I say let them stay in Gitmo where they belong. I remember reading about how they gun down all those innocent Viennese women and children in the My Lie. You reap what you sew.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 12:29pm):
"Who cares? They are all a bunch of trigger-happy white males that only like to murder innocent women and children. I say let them stay in Gitmo where they belong. I remember reading about how they gun down all those innocent Viennese women and children in the My Lie. You reap what you sew."
Ha... I really hope this is some veteran's attempt at a joke...
And not a hippie's attempt to denounce the troops.
Because if so... wow.
I wasn't aware Vienna was located in Vietnam, for starters...
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 12:45pm):
People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.
George Orwell
They protect even the ungrateful SOBs like 11:59
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 12:52pm):
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 10:33am):
Well, this is partly because it's generally the lower classes of high schoolers who enlist--those who are too poor or (dare I say) not qualified for UW.
Whereas the other claims in your first paragraph are legitimate arguments, I do not know where you got this impression from, but it is completely wrong in light of the facts.
It is silly to generalize too much, since the military has people join from all economic classes, but if we do want to make a general point about recruitment, enlistees mostly come from a middle class economic background, not a poor or wealthy background. Moreover, the trend has been somewhat more in this direction since 2001. See the charts below:
http://www.heritage.org/Research/NationalSecurity/upload/cda05-08_c3.gif
http://www.heritage.org/Research/NationalSecurity/upload/cda05-08_c1.gif
http://www.heritage.org/Research/NationalSecurity/upload/cda05-08_c2.gif
http://www.heritage.org/Research/NationalSecurity/upload/cda05-08_c4.gif
http://www.heritage.org/Research/NationalSecurity/upload/cda05-08_c5.gif
In addition, with a 98% high school graduation rate enlistees are on average better educated than the general populations 79% rate.
http://www.heritage.org/Research/NationalSecurity/upload/cda05-08_c7.gif
But we can also look at other ways to support vets, such as questioning why our troops are continually redeployed, despite the shown effect on divorce and suicide rates; why they aren't receiving the full benefits they were promised; why VA hospitals are having their funding cut, even as mental illness rates are rising; etc.
Sorry, but protesting for or against the war does jack shit compared to actually going out and giving money/time to non-partisan veterans advocacy organizations like the IAVA or advocating for specific veterans causes where one person can ACTUALLY make a difference.
Moreover, I am going to disagree that being for or against the war is being for or against vets. Veterans are just as diverse in their political views on the war as the wider US population. There is no monolithic veterans position for or against the war. So being for or against the war does not make you for or against vets. Additionally, since the impact one individual can make in affecting our overall war policy right now is so small, it is more productive to focus activism on issues in which we can actually make a substantive positive difference for veterans.
Activism for the VA budget is definitely more within our bounds of influence than activism on our positions concerning the Iraq War so I completely agree with you here. The reason I only mentioned UW policies in this article is that they are not on the front page at all compared to most county, state, and federal VA issues.
We definitely need to recognize the great cost Iraq and Afghanistan have incurred on our service members and propose plans to fully fund and expand veterans' access to health care and benefits, ease veterans' transition to civilian life, care for disabled veterans, and provide for the families of veterans killed, missing, or wounded in action.
-David Lapidus
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 12:53pm):
"Who cares? They are all a bunch of trigger-happy white males that only like to murder innocent women and children. I say let them stay in Gitmo where they belong. I remember reading about how they gun down all those innocent Viennese women and children in the My Lie. You reap what you sew."
This must be a troll. I just can't see someone actually being serious here unless they are a despicable human being.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 12:54pm):
"Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 8:24am):
Great article. Good to see this in print rather than another piece on drinking age or the Halloween party."
Anything that gets more awareness on the more hidden veterans' issues is a good thing in my book.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 12:57pm):
"Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 12:53pm)"
was me, sorry forgot to label it...
-David Lapidus
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 1:30pm):
"unless they are a despicable human being"
A member of Code Pink no doubt.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 2:10pm):
David,
This is the best Op Ed piece I have seen in the Herald in a very loooooooong time! Our military service veterans deserve greater attention, assistance, and respect from the UW system, including Chancellor, Reagents, Admin, Profs, and students. Your observations, examples, and call to grass roots activism are 'spot on'. Well done!!
To all of the vets reading this, my sincerest "Thank You!" for your service.
James McAfee - Alumni
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 2:18pm):
David,
nice article. many thanks from iraq.
Liz
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 2:37pm):
In general, I agree with everything in this article, but the tuition issue is not UW's fault. The state sets that policy, so it's the state legislature's fault for ignoring veterans when determining the policies governing in-state status.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 2:43pm):
"There is no veteran in the veterans department of the Registrars Office the department placed in charge of handling student veterans records. As a result, many veterans are left unaware of the financial, social and educational opportunities available to them. Most college campuses have a veteran employed in this department, so why cant we? The fix: hire a veteran part- or full-time in this department, or at least have a veteran act as a part-time volunteer specialist or liaison."
No, but Linda Struck in the Registrar's Office does an amazing job processing educational claims and such....way to not mention the great work she does day in and day out. In addition, Vets for Vets does an incredible job of keeping vets informed. Yes, this campus has issues when it comes to veteran's issues, but give credit where credit is due.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 2:43pm):
"Who cares? They are all a bunch of trigger-happy white males that only like to murder innocent women and children. I say let them stay in Gitmo where they belong. I remember reading about how they gun down all those innocent Viennese women and children in the My Lie. You reap what you sew."
What?? I am not exactly for our current circumstances, but come on. Viennese? Somebody needs a Geography lesson. Stay in Gitmo? I don't know where you get this stuff, but you may want to look over your facts.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 2:54pm):
David Lapidus. I applaud your courage.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 4:05pm):
Overall, a very good article. Thank you for writing it and giving all of us some hidden items to think about.
I do however, take exception to the implication in your comment about no veteran being in the veteran's area of the Registrar's Office. I am a veteran who worked as a work-study student in the vet's area at UW-Eau Claire. My boss was a non-veteran who was very dedicated to her job, as is my sister-in-law who is not a veteran but works in veteran's affairs for the state. I only want to point out that one does not need to be a veteran in order to provide good service to veteran's or to be dedicated to their job. If one followed that logic, than only males could serve males, asians asians, etc. I am fairly certain that was not your intent.
Overall, keep up the good work.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 4:18pm):
People who use the Heritage Foundation as a source have no cred. whatsoever. I laugh in their face for their lack of original insight.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 5:49pm):
i'm personally excited for next week's article.
watch and see all this applause turn into overt hatred!
Michael Johnson (February 13, 2008 @ 5:58pm):
Read the State of the State...veterans can get education free...The state is not giving out free college education to peace corps volunteers or study abroad students...I guess only violent service is deserving of of the state's respect and more importantly, it's tax dollars...
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 6:19pm):
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 2:10pm):
David,
This is the best Op Ed piece I have seen in the Herald in a very loooooooong time! Our military service veterans deserve greater attention, assistance, and respect from the UW system, including Chancellor, Reagents, Admin, Profs, and students. Your observations, examples, and call to grass roots activism are 'spot on'. Well done!!
To all of the vets reading this, my sincerest "Thank You!" for your service.
James McAfee Alumni
Yup. !S to them.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 2:18pm):
David,
nice article. many thanks from iraq.
Liz
Keep up the good work. !S
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 2:37pm):
In general, I agree with everything in this article, but the tuition issue is not UW's fault. The state sets that policy, so it's the state legislature's fault for ignoring veterans when determining the policies governing in-state status.
Yes, but I tried to focus on UW policies, not legislature ones.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 2:43pm):
"There is no veteran in the veteransâ?? department of the Registrarâ??s Office â?? the department placed in charge of handling student veteransâ?? records. As a result, many veterans are left unaware of the financial, social and educational opportunities available to them. Most college campuses have a veteran employed in this department, so why canâ??t we? The fix: hire a veteran part- or full-time in this department, or at least have a veteran act as a part-time volunteer specialist or liaison."
No, but Linda Struck in the Registrar's Office does an amazing job processing educational claims and such....way to not mention the great work she does day in and day out. In addition, Vets for Vets does an incredible job of keeping vets informed. Yes, this campus has issues when it comes to veteran's issues, but give credit where credit is due.
I tried to focus on the negative, this is true, but I agree and disagree with your Registrars Office comment. Linda Struck personally does a good job, but it is the institutional problems that are the irksome ones.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 2:54pm):
David Lapidus. I applaud your courage.
I appreciate the compliment, but I havent done shit with my life yet. Its people like Liz and Laura who have already - even though theyre not that much older than me - and deserve such praise.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 4:05pm):
Overall, a very good article. Thank you for writing it and giving all of us some hidden items to think about.
I do however, take exception to the implication in your comment about no veteran being in the veteran's area of the Registrar's Office. I am a veteran who worked as a work-study student in the vet's area at UW-Eau Claire. My boss was a non-veteran who was very dedicated to her job, as is my sister-in-law who is not a veteran but works in veteran's affairs for the state. I only want to point out that one does not need to be a veteran in order to provide good service to veteran's or to be dedicated to their job. If one followed that logic, than only males could serve males, asians asians, etc. I am fairly certain that was not your intent.
Overall, keep up the good work.
This was probably the fault of incompetent writing on my part (sorry), but I meant to single out UW-Madison in this regard. I dont know anything about the registrars office at UW-Eau Claire. I apologize for making it appear like I do. My argument about a vet not being in the UW-Madison office is not to argue for some sectarian system of vet for vet and never non-vet for vet (that is ridiculous as you pointed out in your logical example of male on male, asian on asian, etc.). The point is that with a lot of intuitional problems in the UW-Madison registrar offices vet department an institutionalized vet perspective could be uniquely helpful in resolving such problems.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 4:18pm):
People who use the Heritage Foundation as a source have no cred. whatsoever. I laugh in their face for their lack of original insight.
I apologize. It was the first source that came up in google search. I realize it is a conservative think tank that many cant take seriously, but that doesnt mean it isnt factually correct on this topic. If you want another less partisan source saying the same here ya go:
http://www.lib.umich.edu/govdocs/stmil.html
http://www.defenselink.mil/prhome/poprep2002/
-David Lapidus
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 7:28pm):
The fact that people find it more appealing to let in an under-qualified black kid than a military vet is a sad reflection on the "pluralist" notion of this university. The black kid was born black, whereas our honorable veterans sacrifice their lives so people like 11:59 have the liberty to spout off against intellectuals like David. Once again, the liberalism of UW subverts any rationality.
Glad to see that you've had a lot of positive feedback too, David.
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 10:45pm):
7:28--
That doesn't make any sense. I guess if you really wanted to boost vet enrollment, we could kick out all the black kids and send them back to the ghettos. Careful, your hood is showing...
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 11:52pm):
THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING, THOUGHT PROVOKING, POIGNANT, COURAGEOUS AND PROFOUNDLY SAD ARTICLE.
THANK YOU DAVID.
Anonymous (February 14, 2008 @ 5:39pm):
"Michael Johnson (February 13, 2008 @ 5:58pm):
Read the State of the State...veterans can get education free...The state is not giving out free college education to peace corps volunteers or study abroad students...I guess only violent service is deserving of of the state's respect and more importantly, it's tax dollars..."
Looking into more state benefits for peace corps volunteers and comparable non-military government service programs makes sense, but study abroad students? teh?
Anonymous (February 15, 2008 @ 2:35pm):
Anonymous (February 13, 2008 @ 11:59am)
Move to Berkeley or better yet maybe Iraq so I can only hope that a trigger-happy terrorist ends you. These "trigger-happy white males" are the ones that give you the right to say this crap.
Shawn Siebold (February 16, 2008 @ 1:45pm):
Hi, I'm a trigger-happy white male who likes to kill innocent women and children. Currently I'm in Iraq with these peaceful and non-violent citizens. I would just like to say that 11:59a.m.'s comment makes me proud to be a student at UW. Both for the fact that their right was earned by trigger-happy soldiers like myself, and the fact that even the unintelligent and uneducated can still get into one of the best schools in the country. Hopefully they will take advantage of it.
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