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University must rethink policyEditor, As an Ohio University Alumnus, I feel compelled to write a brief note highlighting my displeasure with the administration's recent decision regarding sophomore cheerleader Angela Heck. I am disappointed that OU has made strict enforcement of an arbitrary rule its paramount endeavor. Though regulating the display of logos and properties of the university is important, it is nevertheless ancillary to the educational, social, and personal development of each and every student. Further, it is my opinion that this policy is unjust in its discrimination against OU student-athletes. It is disconcerting that the university has punished Heck, while it would likely turn a blind eye to a student in OU apparel who appears on television while spending spring break in Los Angeles. One can easily imagine a student doing a man-on-the-street interview or becoming a contestant on any of the hundreds of shows taped in California each week. Unfortunately, Ms. Heck followed university protocol to the letter and received an unduly harsh punishment. Fictitious student did not ask permission and did not consult the university President. He acted on his own accord and was rewarded with a tape of his Jay Leno street interview mailed to his campus dormitory. For these reasons, I encourage the university administration to reconsider its policy to summarily deprive students of opportunities that it deems are not directly tied to "promoting the school's mission." I believe it is in the best interests of Ohio University for administrators to craft a flexible policy that affords student athletes the opportunity to pursue their goals even if they cannot be so narrowly defined as to promote the school's mission. Providing students with the autonomy to decide how, when, and where, to represent their university might prove to be a harrowing thought for image conscious administrators, however, possibly the greatest way to insure student growth is to allow individuals the opportunity to think and act for themselves. – John J. Mosko
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