LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Students are planning pilots

To the Editor: However, we agree that this endeavor has been fueled by an abundance of student initiative and direction. And if it has seemed "rushed through the planning stages," it is because this is not among the long-term University projects which get stalled in extended planning periods. We, and the many other students already involved with the Writers House, are prepared to open in the fall. We were first invited to work with English Undergraduate Chairperson Al Filreis on this project in mid-November. Since then, the faculty and administrators (and one alumnus) who have remained part of the planning committee have served primarily as supporters and facilitators for the ideas and activities of Writers House students. The entire proposal for this project -- from Mission Statement to a sample Events Calendar for next fall -- has been prepared by students. We have devoted countless hours not only to filling this space but to conceiving how and for what purposes it might be used. We have enlisted graduate students to help us facilitate graduate involvement; we have met with architects. In addition, the Planning Committee has contacted every editor of every literary magazine on this campus (that we know of) and invited their contributions and participation. More than 50 students have attended the evening readings we have hosted. Because the Writers House is not a residential program, we have realized the importance of involving students through participation in various writing-oriented activities. It is quite clear to the students who have worked on this project and will continue to see it to fruition in the fall that this is our project -- we are not puppets. The very idea that students can be this involved in such a major initiative is a step forward for this University, which should be celebrated and supported. Our participation has been a significant addition to our educational experiences these last few months. To "sweep the pilots out of sight" would be to deny this experience to the many Penn students who will eventually participate in these programs. Shawn Walker Writers House Planning Committee College '96 (10 signatures follow) Kudos for columnist To the Editor: I would just like to commend Jamil Smith on his column "A different side of the race question" (DP, 2/23/96) and his magnificent handling of this difficult topic. The Daily Pennsylvanian's editorial page has recently been plagued by accusations and assumptions that have done nothing but perpetuate a growing lack of understanding amongst the various cultures present here at Penn. Smith is the first writer with enough courage to provide the Penn community with his point of view and not have to resort to slander or mud-slinging. Thank you for proving that there is at least one student here at Penn who can disseminate his opinions in a positive and constructive manor. Douglas Haber Engineering '99 Alpha Phi not at fault To the Editor: I am writing to clear Geoffrey Munger's misconception of the Alpha Phi crush party ("Taking responsibility," DP, 2/22/96). I was in no way implying that we were not responsible for our individual actions. The point I was trying to make in Monday's article ("Police raid Alpha Phi date party," DP, 2/18/96) was that, as a chapter, Alpha Phi went through all the necessary channels in registering and planning our party. Our agreement with Sfuzzi allowed people 18 to get in and 21 to drink. As social chair, I made a point to hold a party at a place that has a license to allow such a gathering. Sfuzzi has a "restaurant license" that allows for those who are not 21 to be inside. With a group of people consisting of freshmen through seniors, there are going to be many people who are not of drinking age. Our goal was to find a place that would be able to accommodate such a situation. Sfuzzi's management made it clear that they would supply bouncers at the door and take full responsibility for deciding who was 21. Unfortunate though it might be, drinking seems to go along with the majority of parties on a college campus. I am not saying this is necessarily right, but it is a fact. This fact was further clarified by my statement to him that there would be underage people attending. This is not to place the blame on Sfuzzi, but rather to say that Sfuzzi was well aware of the situation and still eagerly willing to host our party. It was not until Liquor Control Enforcement agents were present that the manager of Sfuzzi changed his mind. As far as Munger saying we should take responsibility for our own acts, two sisters and one pledge did just that. They dealt with the police? In response to Munger's reference to "irresponsible Greeks," I would like to say that it is fine if he wants to call me irresponsible, though I would readily refute that point. The fact is, the Greek community is large and very diverse; calling all of us irresponsible is too much of a broad and unwarranted claim? Most of the Greek organizations at Penn are run completely by students. Everything from finances to community service is taken care of by members. Given this, irresponsible is not an appropriate term to describe the Greek community. Caroline Chait Alpha Phi Social Chair College '97 Incident report hidden To the Editor: The Daily Pennsylvanian of February 20 contains an article about the firing of a physical plant worker after he allegedly threatened a student ("Phys. Plant worker fired after Quad incident"). I am the fired employee's shop steward. Part of a steward's job is to defend their co-workers against unfair treatment. So, I went to University Police to look at the incident report. I was told that only University officials are allowed to see this particular document. This is interesting, since the DP reports crimes regularly. Perhaps only those who will probably be in favor of prosecution are allowed to see the documents. According to the same article, freshman Carter Caldwell thinks those who have access to residences should undergo background checks. I assume Caldwell would gladly offer himself to the same scrutiny and would encourage every other Quad resident to do the same. After all, one has no idea how many dangerous students are admitted to the University every year. (Incidentally, I wonder how much tuition would rise in exchange for this increase in security.) The rise of fascism in the 1930s in Germany happened slowly and many were left wondering how their freedoms were taken. The lesson that I and many others before me have learned from this period is to oppose the relinquishing of rights so that history does not repeat itself. Ann Dixon Physical Plant employee