Lets get real. Daniel resigned for fraud.

…not even when I’m called out for spending taxpayer money on drinks at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, or taking my family members out for Caribbean cruises.

In the South Side of Chicago, we have the case of Chicago State University president Elnora Daniel and her extraordinary penchant for spending public money on cruise vacations for herself and family members. An audit called Daniel out for this and other questionable spending practices, and just this past Friday, she responded by not quite apologizing, and declaring that she will never resign from her job.

What candor from a public sector employee; and what lack of genuine remorse, too. Daniel blamed her unauthorized spending habits on the fact that women carry around different purses, and sometimes they don’t have all of their credit cards with them. No matter that she charged a $250 exercise machine on a school credit card, listing it as a home “supply” on the receipt.

The poor dear even played the “my-family’s-far-away” card in this Chicago Tribune article:

Daniel defended using public funds for five family members to accompany her on a business trip once a year, saying it’s difficult to find time to see her family because they live on the East Coast. In August 2006, Daniel and her family spent nine days on a Caribbean cruise, as Daniel attended a leadership conference, at a cost of more than $15,000.

Daniel’s employment package allows her to spend up to $10,000 on family members for trips, which is beyond generous in my opinion.

I have had the pleasurable experience of knowing Dr. Daniel from my earlier years as a nursing student at Hampton University. Dr. Daniel has ALWAYS been the role model for me as a nurse and a professional. Her accomplishments are phenomenal. Even 20 yrs ago while a student at Hampton University, Dr. Daniel set the tone for high standards, professionalism, and class. I find the type of destructive remarks against a woman who has done so much for CSU in just the first few yrs as President, highly upsetting. I know that she is worth far more than the $9,000 she supposedly misused. Isnt she worth that plus more? Look at all the white collar crimes committed. Those guys steal millions of dollars and get a slap on the hand. Yes,integrity is very important however Dr Daniel does not deserve to be dogged out like a criminal. I was able to finish college because Dr. Daniel compassionately granted me a scholarship and to many other students who had financial strains. She always has gone beyond the call of duty to make a difference wherever she has been. She is a hardworker and dedicated to her goals. I sure hope that her resignation was not due to a mere $9,000 supposed misuse of funds(that she paid back). What she deserves is an apology for being treated like a low budget peon. Has everyone forgotten about all the good that she has done?