4A
Wednesday, October 18, 1995
OPINION
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
VIEWPOINT
THE ISSUE: CLASS DISRUPTION
Classroom is not a gossip lounge
In the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities for the University of Kansas, Article 2, Section B states: "Students are free to pursue their educational goals; appropriate opportunities for learning in the classroom and on the campus shall be provided by the University."
This statement implies that a spirit of mutual respect should exist among KU students in the classroom. Instead, several disturbing trends seem to be infesting many undergraduate courses at KU.
Some students think class time is an opportunity to chat about subjects far from the issues at hand. Some students consistently choose to arrive late to class or to leave early—or both. And many students begin putting away books and notes several minutes before the whistle sounds, as if observing the entire class
People who disrupt the classroom by talking leaving early ruin the learning environment for all students.
period was just a guideline, as opposed to a rule.
Establishing and maintaining a classroom environment where students can focus and learn should be a responsibility shared by faculty and students. Students not committed to this goal should not be given the power to negatively affect everyone's classroom experience.
If some students feel they can learn successfully while talking during class or despite leaving class early, that is certainly their choice. Unfortunately, however, these activities tend to disrupt and distract the entire class. Consequently, the few not paying attention are infringing upon the right of all students "to pursue their educational goals."
AIMEE WITTMAN FOR THE EDITORIAL BOARD.
THE ISSUE: PEER INSTITUTIONS
UNC should remain a peer school
The Kansas Board of Regents should not drop the University of North Carolina as a peer school.
The peer system enables the University of Kansas to compare its academic and economic situation to other universities. It is important for future financial planning and decisions about faculty and classes. Peer school comparisons give the Kansas legislature data to evaluate the University's standing and act accordingly. Current KU peer schools include the University of Colorado, the University of Iowa, the University of Oregon, the University of Oklahoma, and the University North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The Regents, citing a recommendation from a task force, are considering scratching North Carolina from the list of peer schools because it receives significantly more funding than KU.
Oddly enough, the Regents want to drop a peer school that has achieved standards for which the University should be reaching. U.S. News and World Report ranked KU 27th nationally for academic standing and
Dropping the University of North Carolina from the list of KU's peer universities would be a step in the wrong direction
sticker price and ranked North Carolina third.
Lack of a deep budget does not justify condoning mediocrity, which is what would be done if KU stopped comparing itself to North Carolina. It is the duty of the Regents, the chancellor and the state legislature to organize the University and its budget in such a manner that KU reaches its optimal potential. One would like to think KU's optimal potential is equal to North Carolina's or any other institution in the country.
Before making their decision, the Regents should consider where the University adopted its colors from: Harvard and Yale, institutions which have achieved excellence. Presumably, those colors were chosen in the hopes that KU would reach the same level of excellence as those schools. Dropping North Carolina as a peer school would be a step backwards in KU's march to excellence.
MARK POTTER FOR THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Jeff MacNelly / CHICAGO TRIBUNE
O.J. is no freedom fighter; he's a man with a book deal
In the post-trial feeding frenzy, there has been a lot of talk that police practices in the O.J. Simpson case symbolize ethical erosion of law enforcement in our nation. And while I don't deny that we live in an unjust society and that the police often victimize minorities, I know we can find a better symbol for this problem than a man who happens to be as adept at beating his late wife as he is at playing football.
KANSAN STAFF
Fortunately for me, I have had the extreme honor of meeting two men who do symbolize what it means to be oppressed and what it takes to fight the oppressor. One was framed by the FBI and has been imprisoned for 20 years because he stood up and tried to help his people out of poverty and oppression. The other has labored his entire life to correct the injustices in our society, and although he now walks free, he too has been imprisoned for his beliefs. Both have given their lives to helping each of us enjoy a better life. Both have become symbols we should model ourselves after.
In the early '70s, the government and the FBI tried to eliminate organizations and people it thought were a threat to the status quo. At the time, the FBI enjoyed almost total freedom under the domestic terrorism campaign they called COINTELPRO. Leonard Peltier, Ogala/Chipeira and victim of their abuse of power, was framed for the murder of two federal agents. Although the FBI's own documents proved they fabricated evidence, coerced witnesses, and forged false
Now, well into his 80s, he is still a voice for peaceful dissent. He speaks at political gatherings, he marches in protests against the continuing inequality, he refuses to pay what he calls the "war tax," and he continues to practice organized civil obedience. He is prepared to go to jail, an old man, knowing that he may well die there if imprisoned for any length of time. That is passion and conviction and principle in action.
again. It was 1968, and Dave was in his late 50s. He and six others, now known as the Chicago Seven, broke up the Democratic Convention with a planned campaign of civil disobedience. Their cause was the Vietnam War abroad and the race war occurring domestically.
On the other hand, the only thing I have heard O.J. stand up for is a rental car company. And now he is a rallying point for oppressed America? Please, pick your heroes carefully. When you need to rally behind a symbol, look to Leonard Pelier, Mumia Abu Jamal and the thousands of others imprisoned for fighting inequality. And look to Dave Dellinger for guidance on how to combat racism and oppression in your community. As another friend of mine likes to say, silence is consent. Unless you act now and with conviction, you will be held accountable when the tables finally are turned.
Todd Hlint is a Lyndon senior in social welfare.
afffdavits, Leonard remains in prison on a legal technicality.
the children of Pine Ridge reservation toys at Christmas. Two years ago, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. All of this was accomplished while sitting in Leavenworth Penitentiary by a man with great strength and a pure heart. All O.J. did was ghost write a book of the week.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Despite this injustice, Leonard has remained active in his people's struggles. He has set up scholarships, health programs, and food drives to benefit all the indigenous people in America. He even sends
Dave Dellinger, whom I met this weekend, also made sacrifices for equality. During World War II, he was imprisoned for refusing to join the armed forces on religious grounds. While in prison, he made the mistake of sitting with the Black inmates during his first Saturday night movie. In a segregated society, a white man sitting amongst the African Americans was enough to send Dave to solitary confinement. But he never compromised his convictions for any amount of comfort or solace. Not even the "Hole" could break his spirit.
Editorial misstates Greek system purpose
Years later, he was imprisoned
COLLEEN MCCAIN
Editor
DAVID WILSON
Managing editor, news
ASHLEY MILLER
Managing editor, planning & design
TOM EBLEN
General manager, news adviser
I am writing concerning a recent editorial about campus drinking. I am not now, nor have I ever been, a member of the Greek system because I do not have the money, time or desire to be a member. The reason that I explain this is because my comments are going to be interpreted as defending this system, and I want to show that I'm objective.
STEPHANIE UTLEY
Business manager
MATT SHAW
Retail sales manager
JAY STEINER
Sales and marketing adviser
CATHERINE ELLSWORTH
Technology coordinator
The editorial board has assumed that alcohol is the cornerstone of the greek system. Statements such as "This ban could have dire consequences for the greek system" miss the purpose of the greek system. It is my understanding that the system is designed to foster a sense of community. The system's purpose is to forward the position, capabil-
Business Staff
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Editors
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Scott Jackson Leavenworth senior
importance of alcohol is to act irresponsibly toward the community in which the Greeks interact. Do we really want to say that some of our finest communal efforts are alcohol motivated? To call for increased alcohol awareness and responsibility based upon the publicly stated principles of community cooperation is quite reasonable. To urge sensibility because we fear our greek system will dissolve without alcohol is a different situation. The community standard that the Kansan is supporting is irresponsible. Alcohol has its place in society, but to base one's values on it offends everyone. How dare the Kansan link our Greeks to such an irresponsible philosophy. A retraction and apology for misrepresenting the basis of the Greek system is definitely in order.
To reduce the basis of the greek system to alcohol is to proclaim that the system has lost its primary function. The system's benefits are then relegated to individual pleasure maximized in a group setting. I imagine that even the greeks would dispute that. The Greeks are active in the community. They take pride in their group identity and hold each other responsible to the ideals of communal cooperation.
If it should be true that the greeks are nothing more than a decadent bunch of party animals, show them the door and let them open a bar. However, I do not believe this to be the case. The opinion of the Kansan is irresponsible and ignorant of the Greek system's purposes.
ity and understanding of its members.
It may be that the Kansan was simply urging responsibility, but to found this call for sensibility on the
STAFF COLUMNIST
Yes, they do. And the dedication of their lives should prove it.
Under the First Amendment, we are guaranteed freedom of the press — the right to circulate opin-
So, the press is getting out of hand. You're getting tired of the 'new' scoop on O.J. Simpson. Ricki Lake is annoying, and it would be nice if we could take a break from programming like, "Keep your number off my man's beeper."
That's life, and that's the press. It
is pathetic how reporters, like hungry beasts, stalk innocent people for the sake of a story. Don't these people have hearts?
Tabloid press is deplorable, but it is better than no press at all
The press is a map of the world and a light in the dark. Without it, we would be lost. And so, the next time you turn on the television and are blasted with trash tabloids remember at least you have the right to choose whether to watch it.
Theodore Roosevelt once said that investigative journalism was like muckraking because it rakes up the filth and ignores all that is good. But no other establishment has had the power to force politicians into committing acts of goodness. No other establishment has cared so much as to bring information from around the world to any individual willing to read.
ions in print without censorship by the government. And reporters are the soldiers who fight for the guarantee of these rights — our rights. And without the watchful eye of the press, these rights and many more would vanish — never to be written about, talked about or seen again.
Let us think about a world without the press:
Amy McVey is an Olathe Junior in journalism.
How to submit letters
The morning paper is a satellite to the happenings across this country and around the world. But it also plays the part of the bearer of bad news. And many times the press is blamed for the atrocities of the world. It is easier to hate the jabber mouth, who constantly pumps us with unsettling information, than to hate the true cause of the problem. Especially these days, when we no longer can be sure what is newsworthy.
Really quiet, eh? No more Jerry Springer "Spring Break Reunions" or tabloids following Brad Pitt's most recent love affair. But, along with them, we give up Woodward and Bernstein, the two reporters who sacrificed their reputation to tell the truth about Nixon and his administration. We are not informed about the health risks of silicone breast implants and the corporate scandals piling behind them. We are no longer notified of corrupt police forces and sly senators. Without the press, Washington D.C. could just as easily be in Japan.
How to submit letters
Letters: Should be double-spaced typed and fewer than 200 words. Letters must include the author's signature, name, address and telephone number plus class and hometown if a University student. Faculty or staff must identify their positions.
All letters should be submitted to the Kansan newsroom, 11.1 Steufer-Flint Hall. The Kansan reserves the right edit, cut to length or reject all submissions.
THE COMPLETELY POINTLESS ADVENTURES OF BRIGG AND FRO