Rachel Bogle is an engineering student who will graduate in December. She wrote to me to express her “utter disappointment” at the choice of the Dec. 10 commencement speaker — Roy Roberts, the Detroit Public Schools’ emergency financial manager.
Bogle added: “He is … the guy who used district funds to buy a $40,000 SUV to replace the Dodge SUV that was in ‘total disrepair.’ When asked why he didn’t buy his own car, he said it was because they weren’t paying him like other superintendents. So basically, he was making up for his 10% pay cut by buying a ridiculously expensive vehicle when the district is broke.”
Indeed, in August the Detroit Free Press ran a story about the controversy. It said, in part:
“While facing a $327 million DPS deficit and pay cuts districtwide, Roberts said that he recently authorized the purchase of a new sport utility vehicle for his use because the former one was falling apart …
“‘It had more than 111,000 miles on it ... it was in total disrepair,’ said Roberts, a former high-level executive for GM. He defended the purchase as a good buy. ‘We’re ahead of the game now.’
“Roberts is paid $250,000 a year and is taking a 10% pay cut along with the district’s other 10,000 employees. The prior two DPS leaders earned from $280,000 to an excess of $400,000. The DPS leader is typically driven around in a DPS vehicle by an armed DPS police officer.
“Asked why he won’t use his own car, Roberts said, ‘I would if they paid me like they pay other superintendents.’”
Bogle’s reaction: “ Nice, and this is the guy who is going to welcome me into the adult world? No thanks! MSU’s guidelines for speaker requests specifically say ‘Someone who is considered an exemplary role model.’
“I think not. Seriously, MSU couldn’t find anyone better?”
I forwarded Bogle’s email to MSU spokesman Kent Cassella. His reply:
“The selection of commencement speakers and honorary degree recipients is undertaken with great care. The process focuses on individuals who have made an extraordinary impact on the world and who might, simultaneously, be of interest to the students attending the ceremonies.
“In this case, Mr. Roberts was selected based on his prolific professional accomplishments as an executive with General Motors Corp. and, more recently, his willingness to take on the challenging task of emergency manager of the Detroit Public Schools. The offer to speak is in recognition of Mr. Roberts’ long and distinguished career as a key leader of one of Michigan’s — and the United States’ — most important manufacturers. It also recognizes Mr. Roberts’ philanthropic and charitable contributions to society.
“In any diverse community there are sure to be differences of opinion and perspective; something we celebrate as a learning community. We appreciate all views, and hope our graduates and their families will join us in welcoming Mr. Roberts.”
Cassella added that neither Roberts, nor the other speaker, Mitch Albom, are being paid.
