Wednesday, February 10, 1999
Athens, Ohio
An Independent Daily Newspaper
Ohio University
Small steps
Editor,
As a frequent reader of The Post online, law school graduate and proud Ohio University alumnus, I read with special interest about the opening of the new Student Multicultural Center. However, I agree with the concerns of the many students who feel the emphasis on African-American culture and programming is inequitable and unfair. It is not only unfair, but it's tantamount to inequitable application of the laws, as well as restrained access to student services - all of which, in essence, is against the law.
A simple review of the OU Affirmative Action Plan (for review by any student, it's public record) indicates the strong need not only to step up efforts to attract and retain African-American students, but SPECIAL steps in reaching and serving the needs of the most underrepresented minority students, Hispanics in particular.
OU only has attempted "token" steps in this regard - as exemplified by the African-American emphasis within the new center. Although the university should be applauded for finally establishing the center, it is, again, falling short in its efforts in creating a truly multicultural environment.
As to the students who feel slighted, I strongly suggest they simply contact the local Civil Liberties Union Office as well as the Ohio EEO and possibly file a complaint against the university on grounds of not meeting government mandates to retain a multicultural campus by emphasizing one minority group over another. I can assure you there will be a more immediate response to students' legitimate concerns, particularly by a university fearing the loss of funding.
I hope my suggestions are taken to heart by students who feel slighted because the center is funded by federal, state and student money. It should equally cater, as it does to African-American students to Hispanic, Asian, Native American, as well as native Appalachian students ... without special emphasis to any one minority group.
Students, take action! It's your school and your money!
Michael A. Massa, JD. michaelmassa@email.msn.com
Aileen Hall
hall@oak.cats.ohiou.edu
Editor,
When I was younger I had a recurring nightmare in which I was lost in a city at dusk, desperately searching for sites that would help me find my way home. It was getting dark and I was terrified.
Recently, I wondered: what if this were really happening to someone I loved - my dog. How do I know he wouldn't feel the same fear I felt in this nightmare? Can it be that all of the dogs lost or abandoned in our county are feeling this same fear as they wander looking for familiar signs of home? They might also grow hungry and weak and confused. My hope is that readers will ask themselves, "Is my dog free from the risk of becoming lost?" Three simple actions can significantly reduce the chances that your dog will become lost:
1. Confine your dog, especially when you are not at home, in a fenced yard, in a kennel or in your house.
2. Make sure that he/she is wearing a collar with rabies, license, and identification tags securely attached.
3. If you haven't already done so, spay or neuter your dog. Unspayed females who roam can become pregnant and unneutered males follow female dogs and become lost. A spayed/neutered dog is a happy homebody.
Show your dogs you love them by making absolutely sure they will never share my nightmare.