Here in East Carolina country, where the Pirate faithful have for years heard about the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s academic superiority, it might be tempting to take some measure of satisfaction in that school’s recent unpleasantness. When one thinks back to the fight this community waged to establish the medical school, for instance, seeing UNC receive this comeuppance somehow seems just.

And yet, in the broader context, the scandal consuming the state’s flagship university does far more harm than good, as it tarnishes the reputation of the entire higher education system in North Carolina. The latest revelations provide further evidence that those entrusted to lead that school must come clean about UNC academics and any misdeeds committed in the name of athletics.

More than two years have passed since NCAA investigators first contacted UNC officials and interviewed several football players regarding those players’ acceptance of improper benefits from a sports agent. The ensuing revelations led to the suspension or dismissal of more than a dozen players, the resignation of associate head coach John Blake and, ultimately, the firing of head coach Butch Davis.

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