COMMENTARY
State cuts harm research initiatives
The proposed reductions in university funding constitute a serious, crippling attack on the research and education capabilities of the state.
COMMENTARY
Chew on the spirit of Thanksgiving throughout the year
It's the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend and hopefully everyone reading this is well-rested, their bellies full and feeling very thankful.
COMMENTARY
Fresh breath
Guilty until proven innocent is not the way the law should be run - and thanks to a Bay City judge, another case of such injustice has been overturned. Last week, a federal judge struck down a Bay City ordinance that required people younger than 21 to take a Breathalyzer test on demand or pay a $100 fine.
COMMENTARY
Bill aims to make states accountable
I appreciate the support of The State News for the College Affordability and Accountability Act ( "Taking a Stand" 11/20), but I must correct a major point.
COMMENTARY
Good call
John Smith is no longer any old name on campus. It conjures images of cowboy boots, a little "magic" and a prestigious football team, and now it marks the Big Ten Coach of the Year.Head coach John L.
COMMENTARY
Women need to take responsibility
This is in response to Maria Raviele's letter "Abortion isn't easy decision for women" (SN 11/18). It is refreshing to see that the abortion supporting argument recognizes the "mental anguish" women go through when they decide to have an abortion.
COMMENTARY
Life is precious; no need for abortion
I'm tired of the same old story of people saying there is a "need" for abortion. You need air; you need food; there are very few things one "needs," all the rest are choices.
COMMENTARY
Cuts costly to 'U' reputation, ability
I am a relatively new department head at MSU, having been recruited in January of 2003 from Alberta, Canada.
COMMENTARY
Biofortification does not answer problem
Thank you for highlighting the need for more work on hunger and malnutrition in your editorial "Magic beans" (SN 11/19). However, biofortification is not the magic bullet that will rid the world of malnutrition. Biofortification is a stop-gap measure that will address only a very small portion of the malnutrition problem.
COMMENTARY
Higher ed cuts too much to handle
In response to the recent media coverage on the budget cuts coming before the House and the Senate, I must advise caution to our state government.
COMMENTARY
Transgender people need protection
As a transgender activist, I ask the people of Lansing to pass a civil rights ordinance that will protect the transgender population.
COMMENTARY
'U' should teach conflict resolution
I am an MSU alumnus and a Vietnam infantry veteran. On Nov. 14, I gave a short address to the MSU Board of Trustees.
COMMENTARY
Precaution
They're not scanning students' retinas or asking for thumbprints - yet. MSU officials announced Monday that they would be testing a keyless-entry system in Emmons Hall next fall.
COMMENTARY
No judicial action
The last thing we at The State News want to do is continually acknowledge the "Wolverines Pack Fudge" slogan that has offended so many people. The logo of cartoon animals participating in crude sex acts rightfully offended many members of the university community, especially those who identify as lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender or allies. The concept is ignorant and abhorrent, but the students involved should not be punished by the Department of Student Life. The T-shirts, their makers and the fliers advertising them were publicly decried by the Alliance of Lesbian, Bi, Gay and Transgender Students, the Residence Halls Association and ASMSU, MSU's undergraduate student government. Each organization called for public condemnation of the shirt by university officials. That immediate and harsh condemnation was enough for this situation; a line must be drawn before general speech, however horrible, becomes criminal. There was no specific threat made or perceived from the logo to any specific person and, therefore, the shirt is no basis for prosecution. As we said before, there should be criticism from all areas of MSU, to make sure the creators realize their actions were tasteless and will not be tolerated at this university. That has happened, and no further action should be taken.
COMMENTARY
Pay attention lawmakers: human dignity good for business
In 2000, following a controversial campaign stop by President Bush, Bob Jones University, a fanatically fundamentalist private school in Greenville, S.C., finally decided to eliminate its ban on interracial dating.
COMMENTARY
Women shouldn't have choice to kill
The writer of "Abortion isn't easy decision for women" (SN 11/18) completely contradicts herself.
COMMENTARY
Creationism has been disproved
I was disappointed with The State News' presentation of the article "Evolution of a theory" (SN 11/19). Creationism had no place in that story.
COMMENTARY
Dome project deserves support
This is in regards to The State News opinion on the issue of lighting the state Capitol dome for Michigan one evening a year, in the colors of the nation's flag "Bad timing" (SN 11/14). Any time is the right time to pay honor and homage to people who have earned the right to be respected in tribute for their endeavors to mankind - in good times and less than them.
COMMENTARY
Restricting marriages only leaves society devoid of love
"The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support; it brings stability to our society." These are words written by Chief Justice Margaret Marshall on the decision to end the ban on gay marriage in Massachusetts.
COMMENTARY
Spaniolo welcome at Texas university
The people of Arlington, Texas, are most pleased that Dean James Spaniolo has been named as the new president of the University of Texas at Arlington.