This is the conclusion of a two-part series.

The controversial dismissal of former Vice Chancellor Paul Barrows had implications far beyond his employment. The Republican-controlled state Legislature made a $1 million cut to the University of Wisconsin System in his name, citing UW improperly placed him on sick leave. Further, his Department of Student Affairs quickly disappeared and most of its funding was reallocated.

"If you look at this objectively, you have to agree that what existed before versus what exists now is a joke," Barrows said when asked about UW diversity efforts. "The entire infrastructure for diversity on this campus is in the process of being dismantled."

After the demotion, Barrows was replaced by a halftime faculty member with an operating budget that was a fraction of his. While UW Communications admits his departure was a "loss for [its] efforts on the topic," the office maintains that progress toward creating a diverse campus has not halted, noting continued increases in representation of students of color. The administration was faced with a clear choice: Get rid of a lightning rod for criticism before conducting a real investigation, or face the threat of continued budget cuts.

"I don't think he can argue that he hasn't received due process, but the fact remains that he bilked taxpayers for being sick when he wasn't," Rep. Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford told The Badger Herald in a prior interview. "I frankly think the man should be fired." Ironically, a study determined most of the state Legislature was abusing sick leave a few months later.

The sad thing is that while the grown-ups play political games and point fingers, UW students are the ones who lose vital services and the counsel of a man who was best for the job. After all, UW's signature minority recruitment programs, PEOPLE and POSSE, were created by Barrows. In a meeting with the Badger Herald Editorial Board, Chancellor John Wiley touted UW's commitment to diversity, asserting admissions keeps track of race only to ensure minority recruitment efforts are working. There is no one more innovative in recruitment than Barrows, and as the administration asks for an extension of Plan 2008, I can't help but think losing Barrows will help ensure they ask for another one in 2028.

And what if, by some chance, Barrows is right, and his firing has done irreparable harm to the climate in Bascom Hall, and "academic staff on this campus are scared?" How long will it be before UW's diversity efforts truly recover? Losing the support of Madison's black ministers, who signed two letters expressing support for Barrows, certainly doesn't help on this front. How can they expect to recruit from the best and brightest in the local black community when local opinion leaders rightfully decry the unjust ouster of the university's highest-ranking black official? The longer these cases stew, the worse PR gets for the university.

"I don't know if they're capable of righting the ship in terms of the community," Barrows said.

There is a simple solution for UW that doesn't involve endless litigation: Give Mr. Barrows a fair chance to present his case before an impartial arbitrator with no professional relationship with Chancellor Wiley. It would remove accusations of racism and the now discredited sexual harassment claims of former Dean of Students Luoluo Hong from the debate entirely.

Barrows thinks the whole process is rigged against him, and while he festers in a lower-paying position and his case rots as the regents refuse to take it up, UW's standing degrades among anyone with two eyes who can see Barrows got a raw deal due to political considerations.

"If they can get away with what they did to me, then who's gonna be secure in their job at this campus?" Barrows asks. "Why are they afraid to face me in a meeting? Why did they duck the [Academic Staff Appeals Committee] hearing?"

Despite bungling the Barrows affair, there is little doubt that UW remains dedicated to providing its students a cultural climate that will more accurately reflect their future real world experiences. However, for no better reason than to save face with the state Legislature, their team is one man short.

Bassey Etim ([email protected]) is a junior majoring in political science and journalism.

Clarification: Paul Barrows is no longer employed by the University of Wisconsin.