In response to John Coghlan's letter ("Editorial simply case of 'irresponsible' criticism," April 29):

I would like to address his statements about the "independent" community attacking the greek community. The problem, Coghlan, is that your organization has taken on the arrogant task of labeling a group of people with a word that, in your use, derives negative connotation. The most ironic thing is your use of the word "independent" as a negative, when the rest of the world uses it to describe those who are progressive. It is very unfortunate that Penn State has taken on the same separation that we would expect from a puberty-infused high school. You have decided that your group is so great that you can divide an extremely diverse university into two groups: those who join your group and the lepers who don't. Where do you get off?

If we wanted to be labeled and separated, believe me, we know where to go. In the organization I belong to, we do not have a name for those who are not members, and we do not categorize them and pit ourselves against them like two political parties up for election of the Penn State social scene. This is pure arrogance and will undoubtedly create animosity. So, go ahead, get 5 cents off your $1 piece of pizza; get 11 tans for the price of 10.

Just don't be surprised when your separatist attitude doesn't fly when -- and if -- you ever leave State College.