This turnstile is in regard to the quality of The Post, specifically the editorial page. We acknowledge The Post is a forum in which ideas may be openly expressed. However, we would like to make a call for a better standard of discourse.

At the Out Week Rally, Ohio University President Robert Glidden spoke of utilizing dignity, civility and respect to approach potentially confrontational situations. On one hand, this could mean that nothing's ever going to change, and that we should accept our reality without question. What we would like to think is that we are all able to interact with dignity, civility and respect ... and at the same time question the world around us.

So we ask: Have the columns of recent been respectful to the groups and ideologies? Has the manner in which these opinions and ideas have been presented been in a dignified manner? Finally, have these thoughts, ideas and reflections been civil?

Freedom of speech is not something that we want to limit or take away - we're trying to prove that rights (such as the right to free speech) entail responsibilities. One must understand that what is written in The Post is a reflection of the student body. Can the student body feel comfortable with an offensive, stereotypical manner that abuses our causes and struggles for the purpose of poorly written columns and sloppy cartoons? What must the alumni think?

In the past several weeks The Post has demonstrated numerous times acts of disrespect that would lead one to believe they are taking an extremely conservative stance. In addition to cartoons degrading both women and the queer community, there have been several unintelligent, virtually fact-free columns written featuring political issues they know little about, such as the case of Matthew Shephard and the idea of "a melting pot." One might be inclined to believe that The Post is deliberately taking swipes at women, minorities and the queer community.

When such things are written without a solid platform of facts and an intelligent argument, it comes across not as a difference in opinion, but rather flat out bigotry.

The intent of the writer is not an issue. We recognize there are different people with different perspectives. However, we are confused about the messages of these articles. What kind of positive message is The Post sending if it uses the language of oppression? (Stereotypes, for example.)

The Post, however, should understand that what they print will be absorbed by students. The more open-minded segment of our population will be less inclined to read a newspaper that tears down causes, struggles and issues.

So we have a question for you: How much longer can the feminist groups on this campus continue to have ads in The Post, knowing what is printed and written is hostile towards those causes? It doesn't make sense to offend such a large segment of the student population (feminists, Christians, queers, Greeks and women, in general).

If one wishes to produce an offensive commentary, we advise such commentary should be well written. If The Post wants a reputation for being narrow-minded and shortsighted in addition to being unable to successfully execute a headline, your work is done.

The media is a powerful tool in our society, one that can be used to communicate ideas and initiate social change. It's incredibly unfortunate that The Post is not making the best of this opportunity on a campus where a lot of people are willing to put time and energy into social justice.

Whether it is using racial slurs, stereotyping queers or making fun of any other minority, The Post must realize they are risking ridicule and backlash from the community. Your integrity and commitment to diversity are questioned.

The Post must recognize that a call for action is from a multitude of voices. We sincerely hope The Post is interested in repairing its relationship with the queer and feminist community. If we can not be approached with the respect, dignity and civility, we'll have no choice but to advertise elsewhere.

Contact Jukich at mj576296, Smigill at as182296

Sledz at as991096 and Cronmiller at cc351496.