University Presidents Unhappy

France's university presidents have sent an open letter to President Sarkozy questioning whether he is really committed to university reform. They cite a failure to make good on promises to provide new funding commensurate with the supposed autonomy of the universities under the Loi Pécresse, as well as a reduction of personnel in higher education, as evidence of a lack of commitment to excellence in research and teaching, despite rhetoric to the contrary. Stimulus spending could well be directed to this sector, where its long-term effect could be significant.