To the Editor: I am appalled by the OSCCR staff’s decisions regarding the case of SGA President Michael Benson and Vice President Chad Cooper. Two of our student leaders stumble across, and report, an error made by the University Information Services department that could cost the University, and all of its students, all Federal Financial Aid. What did Benson and Cooper receive in return for doing this good deed? They get forced out of the positions that they have worked so hard to attain. The message being sent by the University is that doing the right thing only earns you unnecessary punishment and a tarnished record here at Northeastern.

I am also irritated to see that the author of the article ‘SGA history repeats itself,” published June 29, thinks an apology is necessary from Benson. The apology — as well as a big “thank you” for saving thousands of students’ financial aid – should come from the University. Had Benson not reported the security flaw, a student with less-than-honorable intentions could have had access to confidential student information. I, for one, am very thankful these two SGA Administrators stepped up and did the right thing in reporting the flaw to the University.

Sadly, thanks to Northeastern University, I will forever question my instincts to do the right thing for fear of being unjustly punished.

Senator Cory Lloyd

College of Engineering

Vice President

Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Student Branch