University is committed to safety, respect for all
To the Editor:
Penn derives much of its vitality from our students, who thrive in a university community that embraces diversity, defends intellectual freedom, and strives to make every member of our community feel safe and welcome. Therefore, it is troubling to hear students report that they do not always feel respected and valued during their interactions with other members of our community.
An investigation of what transpired between a Penn student and the Penn Police on Nov. 21 is underway, and I have been promised that this investigation will be concluded shortly. The complaint that was filed raises serious issues, and I have been assured that it is being treated with the care and seriousness that each and every member of our community deserves.
As I indicated to the students with whom I met Monday morning, we must remain eternally vigilant in ensuring both that our campus is safe and that all members of our community are treated with respect and dignity. Therefore, I have asked Interim Provost Peter Conn to work with students, faculty and staff to begin a dialogue that will lead to specific steps we can take to address our mutual concerns.
The students with whom I met agree that we must confront our challenges head-on and work together constructively toward real resolutions. By continuing to work together we can and will make Penn a university that promotes excellence, equal opportunity and mutual respect for all members of our community.
Dr. Amy Gutmann
President
University of Pennsylvania
Assignments policy unfair
To the Editor:
I am writing in response to the new Harnwell College House room selection policy that will eliminate the ability of residents to retain their room and institute a lottery system. I find it appalling that the recently formed Harnwell Senate, a group of eight students, should be allowed to change a policy that affects so many students and likely does not reflect the opinion of the majority.
It seems incredibly unfortunate to me that this group has been allowed to essentially punish current residents of Harnwell and put us at a distinct disadvantage in comparison to other college house residents. Considering that this policy will not be implemented in other high rises, current Harnwell residents are simply out of luck.
Should we not be able to secure acceptable housing in Harnwell, we are at a comparative disadvantage to find housing in the other high rises, where residents can still retain their room. In addition, the lottery system seems to eliminate the option of community living, essentially encouraging students to move off campus if they wish to live with their friends. It seems unfortunate that the University would support a policy that both ruins the small sense of community the high rises have to begin with and promotes moving off campus.
It is regrettable that a group of eight students should be allowed to eliminate one of the most appealing aspects of the high rises. Residents are aware of the quality of housing but rely on the ability to retain their room, either for themselves or for their friends who will be moving in.
Given that the Harnwell Senate was created to speak for Harwell residents, perhaps it should do so. The Senate meets Sunday nights at 9 p.m. in the Dungeon.
Gina Talley
College '06
