For the first time in recent history top UNM officials came together to make themselves available for questions and comments from the University community Thursday - a forum fueled by anger and frustration from many faculty members and students.
A line of 19 people, with questions in hand, stretched through the SUB Ballroom and into the hall, waiting to address a seven member panel consisting of three UNM regents, the presidents of both University student governments as well as the presidents of Faculty Senate and Staff Council.
A large majority of those people, mostly faculty members and students, wanted to discuss economic issues facing the University and questioned the increase in UNM's military research since President Louis Caldera took office Aug. 1.
They also questioned Caldera's military background, and what impact it has played in the direction UNM is headed.
Caldera served as secretary of the Army from 1998-2001.
Travis Roberts, a UNM senior and military veteran who spent several years as a language interpreter, described what he called the mass murder of thousands of innocent civilians by technology designed, at least in part, at Sandia National Laboratories and Kirtland Air Force Base - two military institutions UNM has research grants from.
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"Shame on you, President Caldera, for allowing this institution, which is supposed to foster education and life, to contribute to the atrocities occurring in the world," said Roberts, who broke down into tears as he spoke.
Pauline Turner, an education professor, said in order for UNM to be able to produce the most educated students it can, it must have the best faculty and staff possible fostering them.
"That won't happen as long as the pay inequity trend at this University is allowed to continue," she said, citing a University study that shows faculty wages increasing only eight percent over the last 11 years. "We're dead last in our pay scale among similar institutions. Talented faculty members are going to continue to slip through UNM's fingers as long as this continues."
Beverly Burris, faculty senate president, said "The Future of UNM" forum was a good example of democracy in action.
"We are a diverse community with different points of view," she said. "We need to come together to achieve our goals."
Burris said the military research UNM is conducting and the pay equity issues are "valid concerns" the various University governing bodies should look into.
University groups, ranging from the UNM Retiree Association to the College Greens, were present to voice their opinions to the panelists.
Joanna Gabel, a UNM sophomore and member of the Greens, said she questioned the hiring process of UNM's regents and called for their resignations.
"They are not chosen through a democratic election, so how do we know they represent the University community?" she said.
UNM's regents are appointed by New Mexico's governor.
"No, I won't resign," Regent Maria Griego Raby said. "If you want the process changed, write your legislators and the governor. Be as active as you can to have things changed to your favor."
Caldera said UNM is one of more than 100 universities that perform research for major corporations and for national interests, including those related to the military.
"UNM has many research grants," he said. "But regardless of who funds the research, it is its actual application that matters."
Caldera said the University's research goes to improve not only the military, but humanitarian causes too, such as discovering new medications and alternative fuel sources.
He said he commended the UNM community members who attended the event and said similar actions must be taken to allow everyone's voice to be heard.
"We all want the future to look the way we want it to," Caldera said. "We need to work together and communicate to see that happen."
