It has long been our understanding that it is in the interests of The Daily Collegian to maintain the highest level of professional integrity with regard to ethical practices in journalism.

It is with this ideal in mind that we write in question of your paper's recent decision to print the advertisement of the Committee for Open Debate on the Holocaust. This organization disseminates anti-Semitic propaganda about the Holocaust on campuses throughout the country and specializes in manipulating the facts. In response to their cries for a debate, no amount of proof will ever be good enough.

Upon discovering this advertisement in Wednesday's paper, we were alarmed, as were many of our colleagues within the Jewish community as well as the community at large, and sought an adequate explanantion for this blatant disregard for cultural sensitivity.

Hate propaganda is not covered under the rights of the First Amendment and this is indeed hate speech. Although Mr. Smith's advertisement openly and directly attacks the "Jewish question," the Holocaust was not just the annihilation of the Jewish people, but the systematic persecution and extermination of millions of gypsies, prisoners of war, homosexuals, beggars and prostitutes.

Mr. Smith's advertisement is correct in that we do not know if the dead pictured are indeed Jews. For all we know, they could have been Catholic priests who opposed the Nazi regime.

It is not our intent to restate facts, but simply to express our utmost concern and disappointment with the manner in which the Collegian handled this inflammatory issue. Especially in light of the recent controversy surrounding the arrival of Schindler's List, the "A Day in the Warsaw Ghetto" exhibit in the HUB Formal Gallery Lounge, and the overall awareness brought about on the subject. This lack of moral judgement on the part of the Collegian seems enormously inappropriate.

In speaking with representatives of the Collegian, not only was an acknowledgment of any wrongdoing not offered, but the message conveyed was one of adamant affirmation of the legitimacy of such propaganda under the guise of "open intellectual discourse."

We were informed that the Collegian, if given the opportunity, would see to it this advertisement would be printed again. Would the Collegian or the Penn State community tolerate the denial of the trials and tribulations of American slavery in print?

The pervasive anti-Semitism that exists in our community is a frightful reality. That it should reach such proportions in what is seemingly thought to be a vehicle of ethical news reporting, is even more astonishing.

Upon recognition of this advertisement, we were compelled to inform you of our distress. We hope you will take into consideration with regard to this matter, and implement more forethought in future situations.