TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1999

Dear Editor,

I would like to address a problem I have with a story that was printed in the Daily Forty-Niner on Feb. 8. Contrary to the headline "Senate passes conduct motion," the AS did not approve any motion regarding student conduct. It referred a motion from a previous meeting regarding possible statements in course syllabi about classroom civility to the Student Affairs Committee for further study.

The Committee, which has about six student members in addition to the President of the ASI, was asked to consult on the matter with the CFA as well as students to determine what action, if any, should be taken on this issue.

­ Simeon J. Crowther

Chair, Academic Senate

crowther@csulb.edu

The Daily Forty-Niner regrets any misleading information it may have printed. However, it correctly informed the CSULB community that student-behavior guidelines may be enacted.

This is an important issue that deserves careful scrutiny.

Dear Editor,

I have to comment about the Campus Voice segment which appeared in the Daily Forty-Niner's Feb. 2 opinion section. I am very disappointed!

Apparently the question about whether Eugene Robinson was given special treatment after his arrest Saturday night was asked without any of the facts being made clear.

Anyone familiar with the usual punishment for the crime of solicitation of prostitution should know that here in Long Beach, first time offenders who are arrested, routinely make bail and pay the monetary fine, with no jail time and without their families finding out about the incident.

Surely, Robinson has suffered a far greater punishment by virtue of having not only his family, but the whole nation, made aware of his lapse in judgment.

For the Daily Forty-Niner to run the segment as it did, without any explanation of the normal punishment for this crime, allows racist stereotypes to be reinforced with the notion that African-American athletes are able to get away with things us poor white folks would go to jail for.

Maybe responsible journalism calls for inclusion of more of the relevant facts to accurately put the issue before the readers.

­ Stacy Chapman

StNiC@aol.com

The question, "Did Atlanta Falcons star Eugene Robinson get special treatment after being caught soliciting a prostitute?" could have been more appropriately worded.

The fact that he routinely leads the team prayer and played in the Super Bowl the next day could be seen as a double standard.

He sets an example for youth in addition to his teammates and other players.

His wife and two children were in the hotel room when he was out seeking pleasure.

In no way, however, did the question refer to race.