In response to the recent article heralding the accessibility and usage of hard drugs at MSU ("Drug use becomes reality," SN 11/18), current policies are obviously not working to help those with addictions. There is a great fear on campus of overzealous drug busts and the threat of prosecution.
When it comes to sending students overseas to enhance their college experience, no one does it better than MSU. The Institute of International Education reported that in the 2000-01 academic year the university had 1,835 students travel to foreign countries as part of its study abroad program.
Amid the drudgery of fall, the MSU field hockey team has lifted the spirits of Spartan fans by advancing to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.
Shawn Wozniak's column last week on the continuing problem of global hunger ("Hunger not just time between meals," SN 11/12) was especially timely as Thanksgiving nears.
Contrary to recent behavior by MSU's Board of Trustees, this is not a private institution. This university is designed as a public entity, one where the people of Michigan - whose tax money supports the school - deserve to be informed and involved. On Friday, the board chose to have a closed-door discussion about the tight budget facing the university in the next year.
Like Andrew Goetz, I often disagree with our president ("If U.S.
I agree with Mark Hicks in his column "People should try to socialize outside colored comfort zones" (SN 11/18). However, in his final words, Hicks supports the idea of "gray skies," which he so strongly criticized at the opening of his column. "We are all human, and we should treat each other that way," Hicks said in closing. True.
You know, it is often difficult to sit down and think of things to comment on - well, if you believe I have a lot of land in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to sell for a good price.
Picture, if you will, a world without color. Imagine the sky an interminable shade of gray and your clothes drab and dull variations of the same hue - every building, structure, tree and object on the planet would maintain the same lifeless tone. Now imagine each and every person you encounter on a daily basis.
Regarding the article "'U' debates hall smoking regulations" (SN 11/12), I hope MSU realizes how far behind it is in a changing society and reverts its policy. First of all, a student living in a residence hall is not in a private quarters secluded from the world.
Eco's plan for "green energy" is promising and could put MSU on the cutting edge of conservation, but funding the endeavor with a student tax is not a good idea. The $5 tax Eco seeks to impose might be small by itself, but the list of taxes that students already pay adds up fast.
The editorial "Let them smoke" (SN 11/13) completely disregards the rights of students to have clean air and a healthy environment. As a freshman, I had requested a nonsmoking room.
In the editorial "Breakthroughs" (SN 11/15), The State News praised the Democratic party for its election of Dianne Byrum and Nancy Pelosi and then went on to criticize the Republican party for failing to show women respect by promoting them to leadership positions. The Editorial Board ignored the fact that last week, Deborah Pryce was elected chairwoman of the Republican Conference.
After reading the East Lansing city manager's "Noise Reduction Recommendations" to the City Council, I have to admit I am fairly disappointed. The document is philosophically flawed by blaming all noise problems on a "deeply-seated set of issues involving the culture of some young people in our community." The city manager's recommendations ignore the reality that East Lansing is a university town and attempt to separate permanent residents' decisions and actions from both problem and solution identification. Until we, as a community, can admit that all residents - both permanent and student - are a part of any conflict, effective solutions will never be identified or successfully implemented.
MSU's leaders are expected to be upstanding citizens with honor, honesty and integrity that students and faculty members can trust.
MSU students and faculty members will get the chance to speak out on the nation's ongoing conflict with Iraq, and it's high time it happened. With a momentous conflict brewing abroad - and fear of its repercussions spilling across international borders - the time has come for leaders of a world-connected university to begin a dialogue with the community. On Tuesday, members of MSU's Executive Committee of Academic Council decided to set aside time after its Nov.
Many concerns have been brought up about health and safety regarding the idea of a smoking ban in residence halls. I lived in Campbell Hall during my stay at MSU and lived above the north stairwell.
Kristina Woiderski's column ("Bush administration needs to be checked on 'security' acts" SN 11/13) regarding national security was absurd.
I am writing in support of The Student Greenhouse Project effort. For the past several years, it has been my pleasure to watch the planning, research and effort to present a cogent, attractive and feasible plan to the university that would permit the construction of a dome-style greenhouse near the Old Horticulture Building. This facility appears to answer the needs for formal and informal, small- and moderate-sized group requirements, as well as a place for study and quiet contemplation for individuals. The greenhouse model has been found to be popular in many cities and universities around the world to showcase horticultural exhibits and serve as an indoor park.
It wasn't until 1920 that the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote. Although it's not surprising that it took this long to see a female legislator elected to lead her party in Congress, women's leadership days were long overdue. U.S.