About That Rowan/Rutgers Merger Or Takeover Or . . .

In the above video New Jersey Governor Chris Christie tells a caller that the plan to join Rutgers South Jersey and Rowan University as one school is gonna be just great for everybody.
Well, let's face it: Rutgers South Jersey always got short shrift from the Big Real Rutgers in New Brunswick. That's an old story in these parts.
And Rowan really didn't take off until Henry Rowan gave sleepy old Glassboro State College $!00 million and the school changed its name to Rowan. As graduates of Glassboro's Master of Arts program at the time we were delighted with the change. We liked the new name, the new direction, the new status -- everything about the switch. But we remember that many Glassboro students and alumnae weren't in the least bit happy. They protested and demonstrated against the change. And it was good that they became involved in the issue and their voices were heard.
Their passion was legitimate and they raised reasonable arguments and concerns as well.
That was 20 years ago.
Today Rowan University is a respected regional powerhouse. The school has grown by leaps and bounds and the quality of its students and teachers has vastly improved. With campuses in Camden and Glassboro and a new Camden-based, Rowan/Cooper Medical School being built, things continue to look up for Rowan. It's all good.
But Rutgers Camden is no slouch. And the Rutgers brand means something. It's got international cachet. Rutgers students rightfully want a Rutgers diploma -- not one that says "Rowan."
Yes, when we first heard about the Governor's plan [actually devised by a special commission] our initial reaction was enthusiastic. But then again we're partial to almost everything Christie.
Still, we can understand the legitimate concerns that have been raised -- especially by our good friends at Save Jersey, one of our favorite blogs.
The issues certainly deserve to be fully aired. This is a big proposal with major implications and repercussions. And, as is often the case when Camden's involved, partisanship, bossism and vested interests lurk at every turn.
So, doesn't it make sense to open the doors to lively, meaningful discourse and let every voice be heard? A fair and open debate and a full vetting are in the public interest.
This is what democracy is really all about.
Besides, if this is such a good, sound, legitimate idea then the proponents of the plan should have nothing to fear from the concerns expressed in doubtful or opposing quarters.