Sweetheart deals don't make sense

I am writing in response to Jason Toenjes' letter regarding the cushy reassignments of University of Illinois President B. Joseph White and former Chancellor Richard Herman.

I don't pretend to know the intricate details surrounding the scandal. While I'm sure White and Herman have worked hard in many ways, those in positions of authority have seen fit to bring sweeping change to the UI's policies and practices, and it is my understanding that there was a broad sense of wrongdoing.

That being said, I agree with Toenjes that this smacks of back-room dealings. Why are these men being paid an extreme amount of money? Why is Herman still being employed by the very institution that he could not effectively run? This is very angering. How will we keep future corruption from our beloved school when all we can do to those in charge is pay them $300,000 and give them a vacation?

I'm grateful to the UI, and it is out of loyalty that I find myself angered by this corrupt arrangement.

AARON GEIGER

Champaign