LETTER: Truth in Reporting

To the Editor: The DP exploited the student-organized, student-run effort in order to harass the administration. Our concern is not that you raised questions, but rather that you persisted in insinuating that the administration is exploiting the Futures Program with any substantiated evidence. Our primary concern is that your irresponsible journalism will sever the mutually beneficial relationships we are trying to forge with our community. The DP talks about improving the lives of all members of West Philadelphia -- both Penn students and community residents. We are not wholly convinced that claim is sincere. In the past, we have invited you to participate in many of our community-involvement projects. In particular, we were told that their would be an article detailing the weekly 100-student volunteer effort to the Ronald McDonald House. Funny -- that never appeared, and yet you have spent innumerable resources investigating the Futures Program. The timing of your increased interest is clearly suspect. In light of the Mayor's Scholarship issue, we cannot help but question your intentions and motivations. Perhaps the DP was more concerned with generating controversy than it was in reporting on the truly genuine efforts that Penn student groups made. Furthermore, to quote your own editorial, "Latching on to student-created, student-sponsored and student-run outreach programs has given you an easy means to do so" and a sure way to damage the delicate relationship that many students are sincerely trying to improve. To set the facts straight, we contacted the administration on October 16 and solicited their expertise and participation in the Futures program. We thought that their involvement along with the participation of College Access would make the program stronger and more credible. Although we greatly appreciate all of their efforts, this was a Penn student program. To portray it as anything else is simply wrong. Maybe, you should deeply examine your own efforts and the far-reaching implications of your irresponsible journalism before you continue to abuse the power you have to influence the perceptions that West Philadelphians and University members have of each other. LYNDA BEARMAN Futures Co-Coordinator MICHELLE PELUSO Futures Co-Coordinator Community Projects Coordinator Kite & Key STEPHANIE NEWMAN President Kite & Key MIKE GROSS Vice President Kite & Key