4A - The Michigan Daily - Monday, October 30, 2000
ctbe £diu Armg
420 Maynard Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
daily.letters@umich.edu
Edited and managed by
students at the
University of Michigan
MIKE SPAHN
Editor in Chief
EMILY ACHENBAUM
Editorial Page Editor
Unless otherwise noted, unsigned editorials reflect the opinion of the majority of
the Daily ' editorial board. All other articles, letters and cartoons do not
necessarily reflect the opinion of The Michigan Daily.
Segregation: Whet
M eeting adjourned, we headed out the
back door. There were some sideways
glances, a little rustling in coat pockets, a
subtle lingering. A group of us, a few famil-
iar with each other, most just having met for
the first time, watching to see who would
make a move and
unveil the others. And
then a pack of Marl-
boro Lights appears.
"You smoke?!"
Smiles of relief
and laughter as every-
one eagerly lights up;
new brethren discov-
ered, ice broken.
Smokers, being a
scrutinized minority,
prefer to indulge their Em
quick 'n' sick habit my
with like-minded folk. Achenbaum
Sure, you non-ies can N in
stand and talk with us,
yet you feel out of the Rough
place because you
don't like smoke. Simple enough.
But then smokers that meet each other
become friends. Clique-y friends. Are
smokers friends because they all smoke? Or
is it because smoking fosters conversation
and through conversation you get to know
someone that you might not have known?
Restaurant sections are designated
smoking and non-smoking. Those alike sit
together. Self-segregate.
During the recent affirmative action
hoopla, there were some signs that said end-
ing affirmative action would be a return to
segregation. The word that tripped me up
was not segregation but return.
53rd District needs a superstar representative
Unlike restaurants, there are no signs in
residence hall cafeterias saying where cer-
tain types of people should sit, but there
just as well might be.
The University is not a United Colors of
Benetton clothing ad: People with gleaming
skins of different colors dressed in a multi-
tude of (equally) fabulous different sweater
hues, standing together, smiling.
There are, of course, lots of people here
with great clothes and great skin. But we
stand apart. Smiling.
Activists and administrators alike are so
bent on getting a diverse group of people
through the starting gate that no one pays
attention to the finish line -- or even the
first leg.
Does it matter if there is a higher per-
centage of certain minority groups if the
majority of campus is going to self-segre-
gate? Affirmative action won't make all
racial divides diminish, but it might mean
the Black Greek Association would have
more members.
Diversity in the classroom is useless if it
doesn't carry over to the social realm. I
don't learn much from my peers while in
class - I spend 15 hours a week there. We
glean the crux of our college education
from the quality of friends we make and the
organizations to which we donate our time.
In the classroom, we are mixed. Outside,
many not-always-unconsciously (and happi-
ly) self-segregate.
Affirmative action is being defended by
any means necessary - but then the ball
gets dropped, the follow-through forgotten,
or nervously ignored.
Jim Crow laws are gone and campus still
plays Separate but Equal. I'm surprised
re there's smoke, there' fire
activists haven't continued their small-scale
civil rights movement by calling forced
integration. The Nite Owl could provide
bussing between Indian and white parties.
President Bollinger could order in DPS,
which would escort Asians attempting to sit
at an all-black table in the cafeteria. Sorori-
ties would have themed (interracial) date
parties.
Too bad you can't legislate morals and
attitudes.
I wonder, eyeing a beautiful and articu-
late man one of my classes, if it's the fact
my skin is several shades lighter than his
(rather than my hair being messy, contribu-
tions to discussion weak or whatever the
day's self-esteem crisis may be) that would
deter him from asking me out.
Yes, my social circle is largely white,
although I didn't intend for it to be like that.
Nor did I intend for it to be notably multi-
racial. I will not pursue a friendship with
someone simply because they are of a dif-
ferent racial group or religion than mine -
as if choosing friend is like filling out a sta-
ble.
Should I have just marched over to one
of the tables of minority-X women my first
year in East Quad -, pinnacle of diversity
that it is - and sat down? I felt uncomfort-
able. I sat elsewhere. Everything is set up
for us to learn together, live together - and
we just can't do it.
Being white, I'm not really "allowed" to
talk about race. I'm not "allowed" to chas-
tise minorities for self-segregating. I can
only observe, call up my white friends; go
out for a smoke.
- Emily Achenbaum can be reached via
e-mail at emilylsa@umich. edu.
0
if only all elections had two highly-
qualified candidates running for one
seat, our political system would be out-
standing. In the 53rd District race for
state representative, Ann Arbor is in this
enviable position. We must choose
between Chris Kolb and Bob Bykowski,
two strong, able politicians. However, in
the issues that count the most, it is. evident
that Chris Kolb is the smarter choice.
Both candidates are involved in the
community and both want to challenge
urban sprawl and improve education and
the environment. Each has local political
experience. Kolb has a stronger record
of involvement, endorsements by numer-
ous groups (both state and local) and a
well-defined plan of attack, so he will be
well-prepared for the office. Name a
group and he is most likely involved, or
he has at least met with members.
Kolb is directly involved in the
American Civil Liberties Union, the
National Organization for Women,
Planned Parenthood, the National Asso-
ciation for the Advancement of Colored
People, the Ann Arbor Jaycees, the Sier-
ra Club and a dozen other organization.
More than 20 groups, including the
Michigan Educational Association and
the Michigan AFL-CIO back his cam-
paign.
Bykowski, too, is involved, but at a
lower level compared to Kolb. While he
has never been a state representative,
Kolb has worked extensively with John
Hansen, a current state representative.
Kolb is also aware of his limits as a pos-
sible Democratic minority and is willing
to compromise and work together with
representatives from other areas to get
his issues, especially those concerning
the environment (he is a graduate of the
School of Natural Resources), attended
to by the legislature. Kolb is at his best
identifying problems, examining how
other communities have dealt with those
problems and finding the best solution.
Kolb's plan appears stronger than most
politicians, even those at higher levels of
government. Seven issues compose the
plan, with the environment, public educa-
tion and health care leadin the way. Not
only do the issues Kolb advocates gener-
ally concern all of Ann Arbor, but they
also relate to students as well. Student
housing, safety on campus, education -
including tuition and civil rights should
be on evey student's mind when examin-
ing candidates. Urban sprawl is one par-
ticular problem that has affected Ann
Arbor in the last few years. Kolb is an
ideal representative of students, faculty
and residents of Ann Arbor.
Kolb, whom the Daily endorsed for
Ann Arbor mayor two years ago,
appears as a superstar in this race. From
his outstanding general plan, down to
the details applying to students and resi-
dents alike, this seven-year Ann Arbor
city council member is undeniably well
organized.
Kolb is the man we want to deal
with Mike Rogers' unpopular voter
registration law, mandatory minimum
drug offense laws and other state
issues. Vote Chris Kolb for 53rd Dis-
trict State House.
0
'We wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole.'
- Matt Clark, president of the University of Minnesota Student Association, in
regard to the recent attempt to pass an MSA resolution requiring the University
to reveal its investments in corporations that pay taxes to Israel or Palestine.
Vote for John Hansen
Experience gives candidate the clear edge
W hen students living in the 52nd
District, which includes North
Campus, go to the polls next Tuesday,
they should keep in mind that Demo-
cratic incumbent John Hansen is the
best choice for state Representative.
While his opponent, Scott Wojack,
has some innovative ideas, Hansen's
focus and experience make him the
better candidate.
Hansen's main priority in the state
legislature has been the improvement
of public education. His background
in this field - he is a former Dexter
Public Schools Superintendent -
gives him a strong qualification in
this area. While his main focus is on
K-12 schooling, something which
does not directly affect University
students, it cannot be denied that it is
a crucial issue. He also supports
increased funding for higher educa-
tion. Hansen is particularly con-
cerned with environmental issues,
human rights and mental health -
all areas that have suffered during the
En gler administration.
The experience Hansen has gained
in his two years in the House give
him a definite advantage in this cam-
paign. In a meeting with the Daily's
editorial board, Hansen demonstrated
a real understanding of the skills
needed to operate effectively in the
state legislature, particularly as a
member of the minority party. He has
also improved his efforts to be acces-
sible to his constituents, particularly
those on campus. The establishment
of his campaign office on East Liber-
ty Street is only the most visible sign
of these efforts.
Hansen's opponent, Scott Wojack,
has some very interesting ideas and
some of his goals - such as improved
visibility for third parties and legaliza-
tion of industrial hem p- are certain-
ly laudable ones. In act, much of his
platform is strikingly dissimilar to that
of the Republican Party as a whole.
Many of his ideas, such as completely
restructuring the school system, ensur-
ing that all students are bilingual by a
certain age and making third parties a
more influential part of the legislature,
are unfeasible goals for a state repre-
sentative.
Although Wojack's platform
encompasses some worthy issues,
Hansen s experience and understand-
ing of how the state legislature oper-
ates makes him the better candi ate.
Vote John Hansen for 52"1 District
State House.
Study does not hide
discrimination at 'U'
To THE DAILY:
I am writing in response to the Daily's story
about the admissions lawsuits ("There is no
white victim," 10/25/00). First, I question how
Jennifer Gratz was not denied admission to the
University based on her race. The study con-
cludes that the University did not discriminate
against Gratz because blacks did not represent
the majority of students admitted with lower
grades and test scores than Gratz. According to
the study, of the 869 black applicants admitted,
only 17 percent had higher test scores and
grade point averages than Gratz, while 46 per-
cent of the 2,292 white applicants admitted had
higher test scores and grade point averages. As
the study's own numbers clearly point out, race
plays a large factor in admissions at the Uni-
versity. To claim that the admissions process
treats people of every race fairly when 83 per-
cent of admitted black students had lower test
scores and grade point averages than Gratz,
compared to only 54 percent of white students,
is to ignore fact and common sense entirely.
Further, to claim that "(t)here is no white
victim" because being black ranks a "distinct
third" among admission factors misses the
argument entirely. The fact that being any color
is a factor in admissions is repugnant to the
Constitution, as well as any notion of fairness
or meritocracy. The plaintiff intervenor's own
study shows that race is a significant factor in
admissions, what further proof is needed to
show that race based admissions factors is
unfair? If the University gave preference to
white students would anyone dare say that such
a policy was fair to all? Why should the argu-
ment be any different because the University
gives preferences to black students?
The study supports its conclusion that the
University did not discriminate against Gratz
with nothing more than specious logic couched
in an obviously biased report. The district court
will no doubt see this report for what it is; a
blatant attempt to use subterfuge to pull the
wool over the court's eyes and blind it to the
true inequality of the University's policies. The
court should ignore this flawed study and strike
down the University's race conscious admis-
sions policy. There is nothing constitutionally
sound about the way this University discrimi-
nates when admitting students.
ANTHONY ROEHL
LAW STUDENT
Women have double
standards too
To THE DAILY:
Regarding Cici Malin's letter ("Sanz's col-
umn 'sexist, rude and disrespectful,"'
10/27/00). While I don't agree with all of
Malin's opinions, I find some do hold true. My
particular beef is with his comment about beat-
ing around the bush.
In my years of experience interacting with
the other gender, I have found that almost all
women say that they want a kind, interesting,
funny, considerate and compassionate person
to have a relationship. Note the total lack of
To all those women that do look for person-
ality and compassion in a boyfriend, my hat is
off to you. For anybody that falls into the other
category, I'm just asking that you don't judge
lest you be judged yourself.
GREG BUCZYNSKI
ENGINEERING SOPHOMORE
A fetus could be a
human being
TO THE DAILY:
When talking about the issue of abortion.
many pro-choice supporters often use the
argument that it cannot be proven that the
unborn baby or fetus is actually "alive."
Well, I'd like to take a different approach to
the issue and present the idea that just as it
may not be able to be proven that the fetus is
a living human being, it also cannot be
proven that the fetus is not a living human
being. So in stating this, with every abortion
that takes place there is the possibility that
an innocent human life is being put to death.
It seems that if someone might possibly be
taking the life of another human being they
would not want to do it; they would not want
to take the chance. So why would anyone
have an abortion? The answer is simple:
Selfishness.
When a woman decides to have an abor-
tion, in essence she is saying that her comfort
and convenience is more important than the
baby's life. But who is to say that her life is any
more important than the life of a baby? Surely
no one can say with any certainty that, if in fact
a fetus is a living human being, their life is any
more or less important than anyone else's. And
if anyone does go as far as to say that his or her
life is any more important or valuable than
another's, they are trudging on dangerous
ground. For it was with that very justification
that Hitler came to kill millions of innocent
people.
The whole issue of a woman's right to
choose plays a huge role in the issue of abor-
tion. But just because a woman doesn't have
the right to have an abortion does not mean
that her right to choose has been taken away,
even though her choices haye been limited.
The fact is that in most cases she has made the
choice to have sex in the first place and there-
fore she should have to deal with the conse-
quences. And I don't think that the woman is
the only one who should have to deal with the
consequences, either. I believe the man should
also have to deal with the consequences of
making the choice to have sex, and it should be
legally enforced.
There are other issues that arise in the
debate over abortion. One of them happens to
be the case of abortion when rape or incest is
involved. I have to admit this is a difficult situa-
tion. Even though I can see both sides of the
issue, just because rape or incest was involved
does not mean that the life inside the woman is
any less valuable than any other baby. Nor does
it mean that it is impossible for the baby to lead
a good life. Adoption is always an option.
There are many people who are not able to
have babies of their own who would love to be
able to adopt, regardless of where they came
from. For what is one person's tragedy may be
another person's blessing.
NATE LEE
ENGINEERING SENIOR
U should address
underage drinking
TO THE DAILY:
Thanks for publishing Jodie Kaufman's arti-
cle ("Law change allows parental notification,
10/27/00). I think that drinking among Univer-
sity students particularly and Americans gener-
ally is an important problem of health as well as
social aspects. The alcohol-related health, social
and economic consequences extend far beyond
the fact that misuse of alcohol accounts for
approximately 100,000 deaths each year in the
United States. Alcohol-related incidents
increased from 451 to 673 between 1998 and
1999 at the University alone. There have been
many cases of students dying after binge drink-
ing. Many college students like to spend their
weekend drinking. All these facts are stains on
the University's life environment.
One of the most important things to prevent
drinking among University students is health
education to change their behavior. Social and
family supports are also essential factors in our
efforts to decrease the rate of drinking among
students. For curbing underage drinking, it is
necessary to notify students' parents on their
second offense, as Duke University has begun
to consider. The families should hold, in part,
responsibility for their children's behaviors.
This policy, combined with the current laws,
will contribute to improving this gloomy drink-
ing picture. Furthermore, the University should
offer new alternative activities like those men-
tioned in the editorial "Sober alternative"
(10/26/00).
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Give blood, beat OSU
'Blood Battle' is an opportunity to save lives
T he 19th annual Blood Battle, orga-
Tlnized by Blood Drives United and
the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity,
began last week. On Friday, the first
donation event of the drive was success-
ful; APO and the Red Cross beat their
goal of 85 pints bycol-
lecting 106 pints of blood 'Boo BA
in the Union. November 5th
During the days lead- Stockwell 11
in up to the November ,-5m
19t Michigan - Ohio a a
State University football Quadm2 stn
game, the Universi will Eastt QUad 2
compete against o U to pm-8 .m
collect more blood for use November 7th
in southeastern Michigan;Business
hospitals. If both schools School It p.
meet their goals of 1,700 -5 P.M
units of blood, the blood it, Mary sStu-
drive could save more det Parishi
than 10,200 lives. 11:30 a.nl, -
Traditionally, Blood 5:30 P
Drives United relies heav- November ath
ily on the Michigan Stu- South Quad I.
dent Assembly's p.m. -7 p.m.
T
appeals process, and clarify their proce-
dures for the future.
Begun in 1982, the Blood Battle has a
lon of tradition at the University of
Mic gan: Over the years the University
has won 8 battles, and Ohio State 10.
With Michigan's last win
TLE' EVENTS in 1998, APO hopes to
November 12th win this year by setting
Mary Markley the goal of 1,700 units.
Hall t1. m. - 5 The largest blood drive in
M Michigan, blood from the
November 1t Bloo Battle goes to 58
b B13th . area hospitals, providing a
cnion, Bal. needed service to the
room 1 p.m. local medical community.
7 ps. The American Red
Hillel 126 Cross relies on donations
November lAth to provide hospitals with
Union Ball- a sup ply of blood for
room I p~m. - transfusions, and approxi-
7 p.m. mately every two seconds
November iSth someone needs blood.
Union Ballroom Students who are 17 years
10 a m. - 4 old, weigh at least 110
p n, pounds and meet the
PHUNG TAN LE
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
DANE BARNES DISTURBED SLEEP
MlT.V.: AUJAY5
5 TRIVIN& To, CMATE
NEW I t G P) C'.5
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