Dear Editor:
I was shocked and appalled to read last Thursday's "Scene" page, "Whips, leather and lube -- Oh, my!" December 4. dedicated entirely to the seedy establishments selling pornographic paraphernalia in The District.
I speak for what I believe to be a majority of the student body that takes offense at the odious nature of the piece. For a student-run newspaper that reports on such legitimate news as Professor Gao's espionage plea and changes to AU's study abroad programs, it is uncalled for to appeal to the prurient interests of today's enlightened college student by discussing modern anal sex etiquette and advocating the purchase of such products as a video entitled "Black Ass Candy" and the "Cheap Bastard's Generic Masturbation Glove."
Just when it couldn't get any more explicit, the poll on your Web site, What's your favorite sex toy?, went over the line.
In the future, please refrain from publishing such sordid material. You'd be better off sticking to what you do best: covering the news.
Christopher S. Brown Freshman, SOC
Dear Editor:
Last week's fires and the ensuing chaos that followed was a scary night for many on campus. Rumors spread through the student body that arsonists were in the buildings, and that numerous floors had been set on fire, both ending up to be true. The student body did a good job overall in being civil and making the best of the situation when we gathered in Mary Graydon and McKinley to spend what would become a very long night and early morning. Our efforts are all the more admirable considering the noticeable absence of any administration or public safety official to help us through this unusual and scary night. The lack of involvement from the administration is appalling and inexcusable.
For example, students were told to go into Mary Graydon and wait. They did, but they were not helped in their attempts to find out information about the event. Instead, students were crammed into the building and left to sit the situation out, all the while not knowing what was going on in the dorms and when they could reasonably be expected to be let back in. A lack of administrative presence in the MGC also allowed students to loot the University Club, and anything else left open and unlocked, and led to some destruction of University property.
The day following the fire proved to be just as hectic and the administration as uninvolved as they were the night before. While one would reasonably expect University officials to be present on South Side, maybe with a table set up in the lobbies to answer questions, instead there are only cleaning crews. Professors and students from North Side are left in the dark as well. Numerous students had finals scheduled today in their classes, and were not excused from these very important exams. Classes were continued on schedule and apparently the administration and faculty expect that students who spent an entire morning on couches and floors around campus will drag their weary bodies to class so the University doesn't have to deal with rescheduling classes before the end of the semester. These actions hardly promote academic success, and are far from modeling AU's newest motto, Civitas.
At a time when students around campus are stressed about exams and finishing the semester, the administration has failed miserably to make sure all the needs of its student body are met in a prompt and professional manner.
Andrew Lewis Sophomore, Kogod
Dear Editor:
Another exciting season is here and we are looking forward to competing again for the Patriot league title. The biggest advantage we can have heading into the season is a home court advantage and you are the biggest part of that advantage. You are our best and loudest fans and your attendance and enthusiasm is essential.
In order to show you how much we need you, we are opening up the blue seats behind the bench as the student section. No current alumni. No future alumni. Just you. The visiting teams' fans will stay behind their bench but everything else in that section is for the students. We want to give you the best seats in the house so you can make our home court the best in the league. Those who get to the games first get the best seats so show up early and be loud for the entire game.
Go Eagles!
Jeff Jones Coach, Men's Basketball Team
