LETTERS: UA tackling race issues is absurd

To the Editor: First, while I agree with the Undergraduate Assembly's notion, and probably that of the majority of the student body, that the posting in question was entirely out of line and inappropriate, I would not go so far as to state it suggests "...underlying currents of racism." This idea is somewhat absurd, since the posting was intended as a joke and apparently one between friends. Second, the resolution by the UA to "make race relations at Penn a top priority" is yet another superficial attempt to exercise their highly questionable influence. The UA can issue whatever statements and edicts they feel necessary, but I seriously doubt any concrete change would be the result. After the UA's meetings and statements about the racial "crisis" at Penn, I wouldn't be surprised if the large part of its members each returned to his or her racially, ethnically, or religiously undiverse dorms and houses. Finally, I think that College junior Ernest McMeans, the offending student, should not be cited officially or punished for the incident. Though his comments were ignorant and in poor taste, to a certain extent he is participating in down-playing racial issues. Obviously, the racial slurs have been disarmed of any truly insulting qualities among him and his friend; trying to explain to others will be difficult enough without Penn punishing him as well. Students, faculty and staff should take this incident as a chance to loosen-up about the whole race situation. I am not condoning McMeans' actions at all, only suggesting the rest of the Penn community not be so uptight. And, as for the UA: stay where you belong, wherever that is. Andrew Donaldson-Evans College '98