COLUMN: Rights and responsibilities

From Matthew Taff's, "My Dear Wormwood?," Fall '96 From Matthew Taff's, "My Dear Wormwood?," Fall '96 Right: A just claim or title, whether legal, prescriptive or moral, often used as plural; that which is due to anyone by just claim. These words seem so simple, yet people are all too willing claim rights that aren't legally or ethically theirs, while simultaneously shirking responsibilities that clearly are. The Democrats, for example -- staunch defenders of personal freedoms -- claim to fight for your rights. However, for the most part, they're the same people who want to take your personal financial responsibility -- and your money -- and put it in the hands of government. This isn't an appealing picture, which is why there are so many Republicans. On the other hand, the Republicans -- great champions of personal financial responsibility -- want to get government "out of your lives," meaning out of your pocket. How generous of them, since they are the ones with the big pockets. Of course, in exchange for their generosity, they insist on taking away your rights. They're going to tell you how to think, how to pray, how to dress, what your morals are going to be -- and even how to control your own reproduction. This isn't an appealing picture either, which is why there are so many Democrats. With all these hypocrites in government, it's no wonder people are confused about rights and responsibilities. This confusion is occurring around the country -- and right here at Penn. This semester has not been an easy one for our community. Voices filled with fear, frustration and anger have raged across campus, both from University administrators and students. This page has been no exception; letters and columns alike have been written about the Internet, the quality of our faculty and classes, racial harmony, freedom of expression and personal safety. Unfortunately, most people have made false assumptions about the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. So, let's try to clear the air. I'll start with an easy one: The 'Net: You do not have the right to instantaneous, unlimited e-mail access from the University. However, if the University is going to charge technology fees and act as an Internet Service Provider, it has the responsibility to provide service comparable to private companies'. Education: The University does not have the responsibility to make sure you get a good education. The University does not have the responsibility to make sure you have good teachers or good classes. However, the University does have the responsibility of making sure you have the opportunity to get a good education. You have the responsibility to take advantage of this opportunity: You picked your major, your classes, this school. Penn is a research and pre-professional institution, and it was your responsibility to find that out before you decided where to go to college. If you wanted a school where teaching is the focus, Swarthmore is just down the road. Teaching Assistants: Real simple -- the University has the responsibility to make sure graduate students hired as TAs know the subject material they teach and can communicate this knowledge effectively. You have the responsibility to make sure that TA's who aren't up to par are brought to the attention of your professors and department heads. Racial harmony: The University does not have the responsibility to make us better people or break down our racial stereotypes. If Penn wants to provide an education that is more than just book learning, it should offer us the opportunity to grow as individuals. You have the responsibility to actively try to meet people of other races and ethnicities -- if you want to. As far as randomized housing goes, if you pay for your housing, then you have the right to live in whatever available environment you feel is most conducive to the kind of education you want. You should get to choose. This is why randomized housing is wrong. Free Expression: You have the right to free expression -- and so does everyone else. You do not have the right to interfere with anyone else's freedom of expression. And you do not have the right never to be offended. But you do have the right to avert your eyes, cover your ears, end a conversation, turn the page or change the channel. You also have the responsibility to speak up -- peaceably -- when you find someone else's expression offensive, and explain why. Personal safety: You do not have the right to be immune to crime -- you knew Penn was in the city when you came here, and cities have benefits and dangers. You have the responsibility to take advantage of the opportunities this city offers, and you are responsible for acting intelligently in order to minimize the dangers. The University does not have the responsibility to guarantee your safety. It does have the responsibility to make sure University City is as safe as possible, and that includes maintaining an effective security plan and investing in the surrounding community. You have the responsibility to learn street smarts, to be aware of your surroundings and to act accordingly. You have the responsibility to know, to demand, to protect and to exercise your rights -- and the right to be responsible for yourself. Got it?