Student input
Regarding 'The hidden decision,' (Friday, Nov. 16, 2007):
Because we wholeheartedly agree that student input should be taken into account in decisions that affect student life, it's worth noting that this editorial was inaccurate in stating that decisions regarding the use of reconfigured space in the U-Store building on University Place were made without appropriate student input. Significant student participation informed the U-Store's plan to open a 24-hour convenience store and the pending relocation of Career Services.
The U-Store will expand its food offerings by opening a hybrid grocery/convenience store to meet student needs. While a larger grocery store is not feasible in that location, traditional convenience assortments will be carried, along with prepared foods, grocery items, bakery goods and produce. The store also will continue to include pharmacy and printing services, and will expand sporting goods and tech products.
This student-focused U-Store was crafted by its board of trustees, half of which is comprised of six undergraduates and two graduate students. In addition, the U-Store president sought suggestions from the Undergraduate Life Committee, which includes 12 student representatives. Responses to the 2006 Student Retail Services Survey also informed the planning process.
Similarly, the relocation of Career Services to University Place is responsive to student input. Planning was based on frequent concerns regarding the current relatively remote location, a 2002 student survey that called for a more central location, input from student members of the U-Store Board and unequivocal input from the Undergraduate Life Committee, which was asked last spring to suggest uses for available space in that building.
We will continue to pursue students' suggestions. Paul Breitman General Manager for University Services Paul LaMarche Vice Provost for Space Programming and Planning
Issues with RIAA
Regarding 'RIAA threatens to sue four undergrads' (Monday, Nov. 26, 2007):
Once again the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has issued a batch of early settlement letters to colleges, and once again Princeton has caved in and failed to adequately protect its students. Perhaps part of the problem is the RIAA's insistence in labeling copyright infringement as theft. No matter how many times Jonathan Lamy, RIAA's senior vice president for communications, calls illegal file sharing "theft," the word will not change its meaning. In a recent Music And Film Industry Association of America (MAFIAA) ad, it was claimed that because "you wouldn't steal a car", you shouldn't "steal music." A key difference that the MAFIAA seems to miss, however, is the lasting damage to the original owner. None of the accused students in this round of extortion would steal a Ferrari off the street because that would clearly be theft. If one could make an exact replica of the Ferrari, however, and take that instead, most people would be hard pressed to claim that the original owner was deprived of his or her property.
The MAFIAA continues to make when it calls copyright infringement "theft" and ignores the distinction between actual property and intellectual property. While the warning notices submitted to Princeton students in this round of extortion may in fact by legitimate, all too often the receivers of such notices fail to put up a fight and simply settle out of court. The MAFIAA continues to sue countless students for "making available" copyrighted material, a term that exists nowhere in existing copyright law, and it has become clear that their ultimate goal is to change case law on copyright while making a ridiculous amount of money. Perhaps Princeton and other universities could start offering legal assistance to students who wish to fight the allegations. Alex Zozula '10
Hooking up: A valid sexual choice
Regarding 'Letters to the Editor' (Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007):
I'm surprised people keep responding to Francisco Nava '09's column, but since the conversation continues, it might be helpful to consider that condoms at Princeton are actually relatively unavailable when compared to other universities I've attended, including a public state school in Atlanta and a private university in Chicago. The fact that one has to stand in line to ask for condoms in the health center at Princeton is not only appalling, but irresponsible — thank goodness for the LGBT Center, where condoms are much more freely available.
The moral shame that people have evoked in discussing "hookup" culture is ridiculous. If people choose to hook up, that's a valid sexual choice. Monogamy and chastity are not the only legitimate options for people's sexual lives, and rarely is either even fully lived up to by those who espouse them as ideal. Neither is it a fact that sexual experiences can't be healthy when they're based on onetime or anonymous encounters. One-night stands and longterm monogamous relationships both have the potential to be healthy or harmful: The point is that both are made safer through the use of condoms. Anthony Petro GS
Read More
Why can’t lecturers win the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching?
Jerry ZhuLet’s acknowledge those who make “boutique teaching” possible, those who work tirelessly to make our rigorous curricula more accessible, and those who dedicate their time to advising and guiding us through all the challenges we face at this University. Lecturers should be eligible for the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Let’s acknowledge those who make “boutique teaching” possible, those who work tirelessly to make our rigorous curricula more accessible, and those who dedicate their time to advising and guiding us through all the challenges we face at this University. Lecturers should be eligible for the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Princeton’s administration of justice is Trumpian
Frances BroganThe disparity between the University’s approach to Giberson and its approach to pro-Palestinian protestors reflects a concerning trend of appeasing an increasingly emboldened right rather than resisting the threat it poses to academic freedom and the wellbeing of Princeton students.
Secular Opening Exercises? Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water
Frank StrasburgerThe secular makes no room for the spiritual. What Opening Exercises are meant to convey is the spirit of the institution so that it may be kept alive from generation to generation.
The secular makes no room for the spiritual. What Opening Exercises are meant to convey is the spirit of the institution so that it may be kept alive from generation to generation.
