Letters to the Editor

A letter to the editor responding to the October 30 article, “Students call ‘censorship’ “

I was impressed by the article with regard to the BSSSA on October 30th. It stirred regurgitation of my own swallowed emotions with regard to the BSU Administration and how the expression of ideas is deemed appropriate and where this expression can take place. I’m a huge advocate for diversity and acceptance of ideas, cultures, and personal expression. ˇ

I empathize with Mr. Lowe and his endeavor to build awareness around religion or secular beliefs, and most importantly I acknowledge that on many occasions our most notable opponents to this diverse expression are administrators.ˇAs an offer of relief for Mr. Lowe, I want to note the goals of the office of New Student and Family programs as stated on their website: To create a fun, informative and welcoming introduction to the university for new students AND To connect students and their families with Boise State services, resources and activities.

The mission of his BSSSA is to be informative and participate in student activities using secular reason and empiricism. There are much worse things in the world. With regard to student activities, they also make mention in their mission statement of building cultural and diverse connections amongst students. I am uncertain as to the location in the student code of conduct where it indicates that the BSSSA violated any rules. ˇ”Not a place to engage in dialogue?” From where I’m sitting, his booth was informative, like everyone else who attended. Stifling marginalized and minority ideology, beliefs, and culture is all too commonplace within BSU administration and is a practice starved of integrity.ˇI challenge the BSU administration to be proud of the diversity and progressiveness of these clubs and organizations.

Celebrating and encouraging diversity at BSU means more than just celebrating the predominantly White, predominantly Christian traditions, regardless if these new ideas and new cultures are uncomfortable. We need to accept them ESPECIALLY if they are uncomfortable.

Tai Simpson is a junior studying political science.

Secular students

I too have had a recent run in with our newly appointed Director of Student Activities. I am the president of the now defunct Taekwondo Club here on campus. We missed the “Get Organized” meeting that all clubs are required to attend and were informed by Alain Rodrigue that we were being derecognized. I received a letter stating that we could appeal the decision but that it was at the sole discretion of the Director of Activities as to whether our claim had merit.

I find that this process violates everything that a University stands for. What happened to Judicial Process? Why do Club Sports not have the same rights as other Student Organizations to Judicial Process but we are being held to the same standards as these other clubs when it comes to requirements to remain a recognized club? And why then are there many differ sanctions that could be level that only option was de-recognition?

Doug Kellis is a graduate student studying to be a materials science engineer.

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