LETTERS: Penn's values misdirected

To the Editor: I'm responding at all because I'm one of the critics Schorr says he's replying to. I'd like to preserve a sense of what I actually said in 1996, which unfortunately is not well represented in Schorr's column. Schorr defends Fry by arguing that his actions are intended to -- and presumably do -- cut costs for students. I'll return to that defense, but first let us note that in my 1996 column I was criticizing the University not in its educational function, nor in the administration of its educational function, but in its role as the largest commercial landlord in West Philadelphia, and that insofar as I criticized people, it was the Trustees (who are ultimately responsible for the plans Fry executes) rather than Fry himself. Fry is not wrong for representing "big business;" but the values of big business are no more the values of a university than they are the values of a family, a church or any other institution for whom making money is a means rather than an end. I believe Penn's current administration is more concerned with that means than with the University's ostensible end. (Perhaps Schorr doesn't consider that a criticism.) The bookstore deal was not about saving money, because the bookstore wasn't costing the University anything: it was bringing in at least a million dollars a year, hard as Schorr may find that to fathom. With regard to Schorr's remarks about Penn's employees, perhaps when he's had a real job himself he'll revisit his belief that providing "resume-writing workshops and job interview training sessions" is a generous act on the part of an employer that has just eliminated the jobs of 180 long-time employees only weeks before the Christmas holidays. As for those savings to students, I've yet to see them materialize. Are students now paying less for tuition? Dorm rooms? Meal plans? What has become of all these savings? The other reason I've responded late is that I was so moved by the front-page story in yesterday's DP saying that the University is now trying to restructure the Trammell Crow deal because as originally written, it seems to endanger the University's tax-exempt status. I was a better prophet than I knew, and I'd like to thank Schorr for his timely citation of my 18-month-old punch line: "If they want to act like a Fortune 500 company, we should tax them life a Fortune 500 company." John Hogan Biddle Law Library Diverse dance groups To the Editor: I am writing in response to the article "Dance group Strictly Funk 'jazzes up' U. music scene" (DP, 1/27/98). While the dedication of the new dance group is noteworthy and commendable, some of its members' comments reflected a very inaccurate image of Penn's existing dance community. There are currently five member dance groups in the Performing Arts Council. These groups perform the whole spectrum of dance, including classical ballet, tap, modern, jazz, lyrical, funk and hip-hop. Although it is new to have a dance group such as Strictly Funk focusing mainly on jazz and funk, these styles are certainly well represented and performed by other groups on campus. In addition, these groups are constantly changing their repertoires and individual pieces to include an ever-expanding number of styles. To say that "their reputations are set in stone" or that they perform only "generic rap video dancing," is not only absurd, but it is also insulting. The University's existing groups have formed a formidable community of talented dancers, including some who have toured with companies such as the Boston Ballet and the Washington Ballet and many who have been dancing for 20 years. These PAC groups also come together to do an annual dance benefit for the Emily Sachs Memorial Fund, throw dance parties and perform at fraternity parties and charity events. Many also have open choreographer auditions that welcome any choreographer and style of dance that choreographer chooses. I just hope that Strictly Funk recognizes the value of the truly diverse, creative and talented dance groups that already exist on Penn's campus. Katherine Minarik Performing Arts Council Chair '96 Mini-station too small To the Editor: Your fine coverage of the opening of the Division of Public Safety's new headquarters, ("U. holds open house for Public Safety's new home," DP, 1/28/98), said the University Police mini-station on 40th Street in the Hamilton Village Shops "will soon house the offices of the University City District." We initially hoped that would be the case. However, the 40th Street space turns out to be too small to achieve our goal of housing the UCD's administrative staff, safety ambassadors and a contingent of the Philadelphia Police all under one roof. We are therefore searching for another location to serve as the UCD's operations center. Our search for space is focused on or close to the 40th Street corridor, which is central to the area served by the UCD. We hope to conclude our search and announce our plans soon. In the meantime, our administrative staff is housed at the University City Science Center, while our Safety Ambassador program occupies space donated by Drexel University at 118 N. 34th Street in Powelton Village. Paul Steinke Executive Director, UCD