January 28, 1997

Dear Readers,

As News Editor at the Panther Prints, I feel obligated to indicate my support for Jennifer’s article concerning the problems in the Sociology/Anthropology department. The article revealed several disturbing facts, and, unsurprisingly, has upset a few individuals. Writing news, however, is not always “nice”, and I ne Jennifer for bravely reporting the facts and not the

All of the information she revealed came from reliable and competent sources. Relating this information to the students is the newspaper’s responsibility. Making people aware of problems on campus is an excellent step to rectifying these problems.

Many of Letters to the Editor, concerning the the soc/anth story, charge Jennifer with being prejudiced and unprofessional. Well, I must respond to these charges by saying that Jennifer has manly years experience at the Panther Prints, and, knowing her duties, she researched her story from many angles. Unfortunately, every time she interviewed crucial individuals about allegations made towards the soc/anth department every one of them avoided the question, claiming there was nothing wrong. No one was able or willing to give evidence against these accusations, and so Jennifer’s article presented a one-sided case, but not without support or reason.

Michael Drake, president of the Soc/Anth society, accuses Jennifer of not printing his comments on what the society is doing to improve its department, i.e. the honours program. I concede that there may be some good things that are happening, or are going to happen with the society, but these do not answer the allegations made towards the Soc/Anth program, which were the issues of Jennifer’s interviews and her ensuing article.

Finally, if any new concrete evidence comes forth supporting or opposing the “Digging Up Dirt” article, the Panther Prints will print these new facts accordingly. We merely relate the news to the students. That is our job and our duty.

Sincerely,

Cindy Venema, News Editor

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Dear Editor:

I’m writing concerning the controversial twenty-dollar building fee. 1 understand from a recent radio report that over 600 students have chosen to get their twenty dollars back. I’m disappointed that so many students have opted for the refund.

Don’t the students realize that the money is going towards a good cause? The university certainly needs a new student center and a completely renovated Cass Building. Doesn’t the university community know how inaccessible the current Student Union Building and Cass are? I mean, the Barn has three very steep flights of stairs and no wheelchair accessible washrooms. The point I’m getting at is that the Barn lessens the university social life of persons with mobility impairments to some extent. I’m sure there have been many of these students who wanted to join CIMN but could not because the radio station is on the third floor.

Persons with disabilities deserve an accessible education. Part of this education includes a physically accessible university campus. I’m afraid that UPEI lacks in this regard.

The counter argument is that there are students and staff who are willing to help students with disabilities. Also, there is a university committee which addresses the needs of these students. However, I have heard that this committee recently disbanded because it claims to have accomplished its goals.

More persons with disabilities want independence and justly demand the opportunity to assert this independence. For example, they want to maneuver around the interior of a building and use the washroom without assistance. It is a simple request and can be easily met with mobility-friendly facilities.

I realize that this construction is costly. However, UPEI needs an exceptionally accessible campus to encourage more persons. with disabilites in the future to enroll. Several persons with disabilities are gaining the technical tools to advance to a post- secondary education and we have to recognize this fact. Hence, UPEI has to seriously concentrate on its fundraising drive and it needs the students help. Otherwise, the campaign will take longer to complete than anyone would care to admit. Furthermore, UPEI will be seen as one of the most inaccessible campuses across Canada in the 21st century. Do students want UPEI regarded in this way? I’m aware that Student Union did not handle the fee information properly at first with the student body, but its intentions are well-grounded. I hope that students will rethink this fee and see the positive aspects, such as a barrier-free campus, in contributing to the building fund.

Sincerely, Stacy Dunn

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