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Controversy over Cal Poly SLO’s Saudi engineering program

February 26, 2008

The Associated Press wires are carrying an interesting story related to my alma mater, Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo. Apparently the university is planning a partnership with Jubail University College in Saudi Arabia. According to Steve Chawkins of the LA Times, some students and staff at Cal Poly are saying the University should avoid a deal with Saudi Arabia considering the engineering program would be for men only; Cal Poly prides itself on its high number of female engineers and graduates.

Some people think it’s all about the money.

Over five years, Cal Poly would receive $5.9 million from the Saudi government to create an engineering curriculum, build labs and train teachers in Jubail, a sprawling oil center on the Persian Gulf.

The Mechanical Engineering faculty at the university felt strongly enough about it to oppose the partnership in a 15-3 vote.

“No matter how you cut it, we’re supporting the oppression of women,” said Jim LoCascio, a professor of mechanical engineering at Cal Poly since 1981.

My own opinion is a bit more political. Given the nature of the Saudi regime I find it absolutely disheartening that we would be investing our time, money and engineering expertise in any way over there, much less taking money from them. Or are they just giving us our oil money back?

Either way, I am disappointed that my school has begun down this road. I hope the public outcry, for whatever reason, grows to a loud enough rumble to cause the Univeristy to rethink its plans.

Written by bradley · Filed Under Engineering Commentary, Engineering News |  

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