To the Editor:

It seems to me every time an important function occurs at OCCC, Parking Lot D is closed off to students and faculty so politicians can shake hands with the President’s Cabinet for a PR photo op.

To me, this smacks of privilege by the school.

For those who are not familiar with the concept of privilege, it’s a right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of most.

These politicians who claim to care about students or claim not to be above rolling up their sleeves to do dirty work for the community, seemingly have no problem parking their Beamers and Bentleys in temporary VIP parking that normally would be available to students and professors.

If these politicians really care about students, they would encourage the college not to make special concessions for them.

Of course, I realize they’re only parking where they’re told to park.

The problem starts at home with OCCC officials.

If only the guest speakers need a place to park to ensure they get to a scheduled function on time, maybe the college could have them park with President Paul Sechrist in the regular VIP parking circle with the other members of his cabinet.

I understand OCCC is trying to promote the college as a first-class organization.

However, it looks like during events, OCCC treats their students and professors as if they were second-class citizens when, in fact, without those students and professors, there would be no Oklahoma City Community College.