Pat Williams: Deep commitment to the University of Montana

Sixteen years ago, in mid-career, I left a job I loved representing Montana in the U.S. Congress. I came home so I could teach at the University of Montana, where I was once a student. My commitment to and respect for the university and our students are deep and genuine. Prior to being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1978, I was a classroom teacher. I now have been in front of classrooms for 30 years, teaching students from sixth-graders to post-graduates. For 18 years, I was a member of the Education Committee in the U.S. Congress and for eight of those years I was chosen as chairman/senior member of the Postsecondary Education Subcommittee, with jurisdiction over the writing of federal laws affecting public colleges and universities.

Guest column by PAT WILLIAMS

A month ago, a New York Times reporter called to ask my opinion concerning those few students whose actions have insulted and scarred our university community. As one member of the Board Regents, I gave the Times reporter my purposely blunt opinion. At no time during the interview did I make any reference to personnel, the team or other athletes. We Montanans have always preferred straight talk from those who represent us. My choice of words with the reporter was candid; chosen to illuminate my concern with the actions of outlier, convicted student-athletes whose behavior have damaged public and personal safety as well as scarred our university.

During the intervening days since the newspaper’s interview with me, there has been obvious controversy about my quote, but I have not responded until now because of a then-ongoing court trial.

Nationwide, arrests of college athletes are at a near all-time high. And, according to a report by the Chronicle of Higher Education, more than 20 percent of these cases involve women. That represents a deep violation of our humanity – one toward the other.

We have all known for a long time that our student athletes can be some of the University of Montana’s best ambassadors, and we’re proud of their accomplishments both in the classroom, on the court and the field. It does a disservice to the vast majority who so ably represent this school, that a handful of student offenders give the program a black eye.

For 50 years I have worked to improve and enhance educational opportunities for young people across our state and throughout the nation. As a teacher and a member of the Board of Regents, I will continue to defend our efforts to educate the next generation and form leaders of conscience. If I turned a blind eye to violence in our university communities it would impede these goals.

Carol and I are the parents of three University of Montana graduates. Like all parents, we wanted to ensure the university would both educate and protect our kids. All these years later as a regent, I insist on the same for all parents and grandparents who choose to send their children to this university.

Pat Williams served nine terms as a U.S. representative from Montana. After his retirement, he returned to Montana and taught at the University of Montana. He has served one year on the Board of Regents and is awaiting Senate confirmation for a full term.

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