As an alumnus who has closely followed the leadership of University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines for nearly a year, I must express my deep disappointment. Despite his frequent references to fearless leadership, it has become evident that we have the wrong person at the helm. While I acknowledge Dr. Pines’ intellect, his actions — or lack thereof — demonstrate a troubling deficiency in courage and moral clarity, particularly in doing what is right for our beloved university.

This concern has been further highlighted by his handling and reversal of the permit issued to Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) to protest on McKeldin Mall on Oct. 7 (“University of Maryland to block some student events on Oct. 7 anniversary, including vigil for Palestinians,” Sept. 3). To be clear, I do not support SJP or their viewpoints, but I firmly believe in their right to protest — a core American value. However, this situation is different. Yes, SJP followed the rules, but their choice of this specific date appears intended to inflict mental harm on Jewish students, the alumni community and Jews around the world. The timing, coinciding with a tragic day in Jewish history, is no coincidence — nor would any reasonable person believe it to be.

This is why I believe Pines’ tenure at the University of Maryland must come to an end.

Dr. Pines should be the leading voice in protecting our students, yet he remained silent too long. Instead of addressing this issue with the moral clarity it demands, he seems more concerned with potential lawsuits than with doing what is right. For over 11 months, his leadership has lacked the decisive action required in moments like these. As a result, the University of Maryland is gaining attention not for the achievements of its students and faculty, but for its failure to uphold its values.

This is not a difficult decision for a true leader. By hiding behind policy, Pines appeared more interested in safeguarding his professional future than in making the morally correct choice.

A leader should be selfless, not selfish, and it is time for the entire UM community to demand his immediate resignation. We need a leader with the courage to do the right thing — someone who can sit down with SJP leadership and explain why the Oct. 7 date is unacceptable and offer an alternative. There are many other dates on the calendar that would not directly insult the Jewish community on campus. This decision should not be hard, but Pines is making it so.

I love this university. I bleed Maryland school colors of red, black and gold and it saddens me to write this letter. After attempting to work behind the scenes to support the administration, it is clear that a change in leadership is necessary. We need someone who can unite us, protect our students and our university’s reputation and lead with the moral clarity this situation demands.

— Jordan Fladell, Atlanta, Georgia

The writer is a 1992 graduate of the University of Maryland.

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