Around the state

The Birmingham News on Alabama chancellor:

Freida Hill certainly seems to have the right stuff. The woman selected to be the next chancellor of Alabama's two-year college system has a doctorate in adult education, a strong background in economic development and is deputy commissioner of Georgia's technical colleges. But truth be told, what we like best about Hill, so far, really doesn't have much to do with her. It's the way she was selected.

The state Board of Education chose Hill after hiring a consultant, conducting a national search and conducting open interviews with those who were deemed the best candidates for the job. In other words, Hill was picked in a process that was transparent and fair, which is only appropriate for a position overseeing a community college system that belongs to all Alabamians.

It's especially appropriate considering this particular system's history. The two-year colleges are still trying to shake a terrible legacy of cronyism and corruption.

Managing this sprawling, storied bureaucracy won't be easy. Some who were well-served in previous regimes are still working to return the system to its slimier past. Nobody can say at this point whether Hill is up to the challenge. But she is at least starting out on the right foot. She has the school board to thank for that.

The Decatur Daily on artist vs. Alabama:

Somewhere along the way, colleges and universities forgot that collegiate sports belong to the public. When they attempt to control certain aspects of the adulation fans shower on favorite teams, universities run up against the First Amendment to the Constitution and the goodwill of fans.

That happened when The University of Alabama sued popular artist Daniel Moore in 2005 for the memorable plays he captures on canvas. The university argued those images belonged to The University of Alabama.

Moore resisted, including paying a licensing fee to the university.

A federal judge ruled this week Moore's work didn't infringe on any UA trademark as long as he uses no university symbols or logo.

Trying to force Moore to pay for the privilege to paint memorable plays is as foolish as arguing Alabama's red and white uniforms are distinctive colors that belong to the university.

It is a good ruling we hope extends to photographers' and writers' work, also.