LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: 'Segregation' not a problem

To the Editor: Segregation, as I understand it, implies no options. In the U.S., during the Jim Crow era, schools being segregated meant that African Americans could not attend white schools, whether they wanted to or not. Having a choice and choosing to be in a comfortable environment is not segregation, but is freedom of choice. Are we to say any African American student choosing to attend a historically black college is wrong for this choice? Are we to say white fraternity members are wrong for deciding to join predominantly white fraternities? African American students choose to come to the University knowing that this school is predominantly white. As an undergraduate Engineering student here, I was often one of two or three African American students in my classes. That is not an easy reality to deal with. What white people at Penn must understand is that African American students are not here to assist you in understanding African American culture, nor are we here to assist you in building any coalitions to end racism. We are here to learn. If we end up learning from each other in the process, well, that's all fine and good, but that is not our function. If you want to learn about African American culture, there is a large population of African Americans in Philadelphia, aside from University students. Any conscious African American student here already faces a daily mission of maintaining the African American ideals we cherish and hold onto, while negotiating the workings of a white world that oftentimes operates against the inner peace of people of color. Who is to question me if I decide to eat with African American friends in Commons, or to live with all African American roommates? They are my strength. They are my family. In traditional African beliefs, the family is the key to life. Without my family, I am not whole. Lastly, regarding Nadel's use of DuBois's dream of "breaching the color-line," we should be clear that DuBois advocated the improvement of African American people through self-segregation. Furthermore, DuBois was a Pan-Africanist who left this country to live out the last years of his life in Liberia -- in Africa, for those of you not so geographically inclined. Do your research. Brian Peterson Education Graduate Student W.E.B. DuBois College House Fellow Fling safely this weekend To the Editor: Spring Fling is once again upon us in force. Thousands of Dionysian followers of sex, drugs, alcohol, music and other forms of recreation will undoubtedly free themselves from the stresses of college life during this fantastic Penn tradition. I am writing to emphasize the importance of safer sex this weekend. I can't think of a better time to put your sexual health knowledge into practice than Fling. Sex is amazing, but safer sex is better because you can do it more often without fear of disease or unwanted pregnancy. While many Penn students will not be engaging in sexual activities, drinking or recreational drug use this weekend, I have to think that at least one person will be having this type of fun. If you are that person, listen up! Alcohol and drugs will impair your judgment about things you usually do responsibly. For example, you might lose that common sense of protecting yourself with a condom while engaging in sexual activity. Use it for anal, oral or vaginal intercourse and you just might save your life. If you can't find a condom during Fling, come by the Facilitating Learning About Sexual Health table on Friday in Upper Quad and I assure you we will have plenty for any sexcapades you wish to enjoy. Another way in which beer or pot can inhibit your usually responsible nature is your choice of partner. Many visitors and people you might not know will be roaming the fields of love this weekend, so choose wisely by asking about their prior sexual history and their views on safer sex before anything happens. Chlamydia and genital warts are a problem here, and most people do not show signs of having them or other sexually transmitted infections. If you see a wart or sore on your partner's genitals, have him or her see a doctor at Student Health Services. Another service provided by Student Health is Morning-After Contraception (MAC), a dose of hormones that make a fertilized ovum unable to attach itself to the uterine walls if taken within 60 hours of unprotected intercourse. Student Health and FLASH urge you to use MAC for only emergency situations -- for example, if you forget to use a condom due to your intoxicity and think you might have been impregnated, go to Student Health for free MAC. If there is a time to use a condom or dental dam or even abstain from sexual activity, now is the time to use your best judgments. Don't let alcohol and drugs ruin your Fling! Jared Miller College '97 FLASH Steering Committee n To the Editor: I applaud both the DP and SPEC for including Alcohol First Aid information in the Spring Fling insert (4/17/96). I'd like to update the information in the "Educational Information, Resources and Programs" section. The Office of Alcohol and Drug Education no longer exists. However, the programs and resource information from that office are alive and well in the Office of Health Education, 310 Houston Hall, which can be reached at 573-3525. Drug and Alcohol Resource Team Peer Educators can also be reached at that location and phone number. The C.A.R.E. program can be reached at 898-7021. Additionally, I'd like to call attention to the small print titled "University Policy" and state that the policy for alcohol intoxication applies to other drug intoxification and/or poisoning as well. Remember, call for medical attention if you think a person needs help. It's better to call for unneeded help, than not to call for help that is needed! Kate Ward-Gaus Health Educator, DART Advisor, Office of Health Education