Page 4 Editorial Weak education system hurts all "Here little black boy, we're going to make things easier for you because you're just not good enough." These words came from Joe Clark, who spoke to an overflow crowd in Reed Lecture Hall Tuesday night Clark was speaking of the lowering of collegiate admissions requirements to provide oppurtunities to minority' students. Clark pointed out that the fault lies with the system, not with the students. He placed much of the blame on poor fundamental teaching in the elementary and secondary levels of education. It's that poor teaching that leads to some students being less prepared for college than other students. Yet, if that unprepared student happens to be a minority student, there is a good chance that they will be admitted to college anyway. That's not right. Academic standards should not be lowered for anybody. Not for minorities, not for athletes and not for people who can buy their way in. There are already too many problems in our educational system. We can not afford to compound those problems by letting unprepared students into college based on factors other than academics. Those students slow the progress of other students. This practice also shows students that it's not good grades and hard work that are important, but whether or not you are considered a minority. Unfortunately, it also gives unprepared students the idea that they'll always be able to get by because they have been underpriveleged in the past. An important point to remember, however, is that unprepared students aren't at fault. The weak educational system is to blame. It's a shame that more educators aren't like Joe Clark. It's also a shame that when an educator of his stature comes along, we need him to travel the country telling the rest of the people in the educational system to get their act together. The Collegian Published week Editor Todd J. Irwin Business Manager Christie Redmond The Collegian's editorial opinion is determined by the editorial staff, with the editor holding final responsibility. Opinions expressed in The Collegian are not necessarily those of The Collegian or the Pennsylvania State University. Senior Editor Mark Owens Senior Editor Robb Frederick Associate Editor Christi Luden Associate Editor Greg Geibel Layout Editor Chris Kocott Advertisement Layout Kevin Polcovich Photo Coordinator Jim Pierdomenico the students of Behrend CoIIe•e, Erie, PA Office Manager David Mahoney Advisor Dr. Mks Simmons Letter Policy: The Collegian encourages letters on news coverage, editorial content and university affairs. Letters should be typewritten, double-spaced and signed by no more than two persons. Letters should be no longer than 400 words. Letters should include the semester standing and major of the writer. All letters should provide the address and phone number of the writer for verification of the letter. The Collegian reserves the right to edit letters for length and to reject letters if they are libelous or do not conform to standards of good taste. Letters should be submitted to The Collegian office no later than noon on Tuesday prior to the desired publication date. Postal Information: Th e Collegian (814 898-6488) is published weekly by the students of the Behrend College; Reed Union Building, Station Road, Erie, Pa 16563. The Collegian O p inion jilt 14001 ATLPRTA flTUTfottin % ~ CUIS~ 'Thchnoiogy used to [mein and destroy enemy targets. \., 'Technology used to knock out irrornmg enerny rntsslieS. Letters to the Editor Take a stand What has happened? I've been very disappointed with the substance of the paper recently. Actually, the lack of substance would be more appropriate. Why has The Collegian become a spineless bundle of sports scores and Police & Safety reports? Last year's paper had Rob Prindle's "Love Rob" column. It dealt with a lot of touchy subjects that really upset people. Unfortunately, Rob even mellowed out just before he graduated. It seems that Chris Spanos tried to keep some issues alive, but her column ended almost as soon as it began. I doubt that apathy afflicted Chris. Has The Collegian become so understaffed that there is no one to write about issues that exist? Will our problems go away if no one talks about them? Those columns and articles that some considered so offensive served a purpose. They got people talking about these sensitive issues. When people can talk, there is hope for understanding. A lot of people disagreed vehemently with Rob and Chris. I was speaking with a friend of mine once about how much she hated "Love Rob." The Collegian came out that day, and I noticed that "Love Rob" was the first column she turned to. I guess the whole point I'm trying to make is that The Collegian has turned into a boring, pointless piece of junk mail with nothing more interesting than some second-rate cartoons. I believe that a newspaper's purpose should be to stir the mind, and facilitate discussions on real issues that affect the students here at Behrend. The last thing I want to read Thursday, February 21, 1991 Editorial - rtchn(icw in The Collegian is another feature on the "Milk-Chugging creature" in Mark Owens' apartment. Take a stand, editors! Dave Johnson Ninth semester B&BS Good rap I must commend Tom Strunl. on a wonderfully perceptive letter in the February 7 issue of The Collegian. The piece focused on the positive outlook of rap music. In the short time that I've attended Behrend, it's been clear to see that many students are either misinformed or ignorant of what skills, talents, and capabilities exist among other cultures. What a sad fact that is, considering our experiences throughout college should prepare us for the "real world." The world is replete with races and cultures that should enlighten, not intimidate us. Building impenetrable walls of discontent is not going to make our dislikes indefinitely vanish. Words cannot express the importance of being open to a multitude of opinions, attitudes, and behaviors of those we directly of indirectly interact with on a daily or occasional basis. No you need not like rap, rock, or country music; merely respect the music and the musician for conveying an essential message. Although rap has proven to be an instrument for attempting to achieve a better understanding of what life is like on the streets, in jail, or at the poverty-stricken level, its message is intended for everyone. Not just for people living in less than favorable conditions, but for those of us move enemy cram territory, who have never experienced what it's like to be afraid to go to sleep at night, or to wake up in the morning. Let us not close the door to a world that is conceivably destined to reproduce change after change, but tear down the walls of exclusion. Editor's note: The Collegian encourages letters on news coverage, editorial content and university affairs. Letters should be typewritten, double spaced and signed by no more than two persons. Letters should be no longer than 400 words. Letters should include the semester standing and major of the writer. All letters should provide the address and phone number of the writer for verification of the letter. The Collegian reserves the right to edit letters for length and to reject letters if they are libelous or do not conform to standards of good taste. Letters should be submitted to T h e . collegian office no later than noon on Tuesday prior to the desired publication date. Tesha Lynn Nesbit Fourth semester Communication
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