Western Oregon University refuses to discuss its handling of the case of Jeff Maxwell, the Marine Corps veteran from Lebanon whom it expelled through spring term for having a pistol in his pocket while studying in the student union.

The college - through its dean of students - says it cannot talk about the case because of federal regulations on the "educational records" of students. Citing those rules makes it possible for college officials to stonewall any inquiry about the way they handled the case.

The average citizen may wonder how federal regulations can muzzle state employees in what seems like a matter of purely state or local concern. But that part of the Constitution - limiting the powers of the federal government - has been ignored for years.

You would think, though, that if reason played a bigger role at the university than federal rules, responsible public officials would have not just the right but an obligation to explain themselves in a case that becomes of public concern. (hh)