Activity fee spending important issue

Never before has a strong student voice been more necessary than it is now. During the past few years, students have been subjected to an increasing number of fees, including the student activity fee. Even as I write this letter, a new recreation fee is being considered to fund the upgrade of the facilities in the White Building.

Although some students enjoy the programs funded by these fees, it is impossible for all students to benefit from the programs that their money helps to fund. I find it rather insulting that University President Graham Spanier and the University Board of Trustees feel the students are not intelligent enough to spend their money in a wise manner.

In place of the freedom to spend one's money in a way that proves most enjoyable to a person, the University has decided that it will choose how your money will be spent toward activities that they will provide, but very few of you will attend.

That is not to say that these programs should cease to exist, but requiring student approval of new fees is a must. Alternatively, students wishing to attend these programs could simply pay at the door.

If you do decide to vote tomorrow, I urge you to reject candidates who would expand the fee system and support those who realize that no one can spend your money more wisely than you can.

Jeremy Nightingale
USG Senate candidate, West Halls

University's job not to increase 'diversity'

The editorial states, "Class discussions are enriched when people from different cultural perspectives contribute." Dare I say that there is no such thing as a "cultural perspective?" Even among a specific culture every individual has their own values, convictions and opinions. No two individuals think exactly the same and thus every individual of a given culture does not have the same perspective. I doubt that a "cultural perspective" would even be representative of a majority of individuals from a specific culture anyway. If this is the case then such a concept is practically useless.

"Universities . . . should reflect the diversity in the general population." The purpose of a university is not to be a demographic mirror of society. Its purpose should be to help fully develop its students' ability to reason, provide them with a general education, and aid them in acquiring a specialized knowledge in their chosen field.

Increasing the population of minorities at the University will increase the diversity of totally irrelevant physical characteristics among the students and staff. However, it is a fallacy to assume that it will necessarily increase the diversity of so-called "cultural perspectives" even if there is such a thing because many minorities come from the same cultures as whites.

Increasing diversity will not help to eradicate racism. If some people haven't learned not to resent others just because they are different by the time they have reached college, then I don't care how much diversity the University tries to shove down their throats because these type of people are not going to change. Furthermore, you can't enshrine racial differences and then expect people to view others as individuals. Instead, this serves to reinforce the common and irrational practice of viewing others as interchangeable members of a group that are identified only by the color of their skin.

Michael Dahlen
junior-nutrition

ACLU seeking input on housing issue

The ordinance limits where students can live and who may choose to rent to them. We are currently in the process of compiling a list of State College residents who have been negatively affected by the ordinance. By compiling this information, we hope to gain leverage in the continuing fight against the discriminatory practices of the State College Borough Council.

If you feel you have been affected in any way by this ordinance, please contact me at 861-0551 or topeka@psu.edu. All information will be kept confidential and will not be used without your express consent.

Julian Catchen
Penn State ACLU

Candidate seeks support in election

As an active member in a student organization, I know the frustrations that sometime can occur when requesting financial support for certain activities or events.

As a member of UPAC, I would promote and encourage high-quality events for the student body that enhance student life and educational climate. I would encourage intellectual diversity and philosophical debate among student programs. I encourage all you to vote this Wednesday in the USG/UPAC elections.

Christopher Gillott
UPAC candidate