Frohnmayer did
the right thing
As a professor at the University, I realize that we do need contributions from people such as Nike CEO Phil Knight to remain competitive and to build on the excellent educational programs we now have at the University. Still, I fully support University President Dave Frohnmayer’s decision, made with the backing of faculty and student representatives, to join the Worker Rights Consortium. I am disappointed by Knight’s statement that “The bonds of trust, which allowed me to give at a high level, have been shredded.”
What kind of bonds of trust was he thinking of? Did he think he had an unspoken understanding that he would give money to the University, and the University would refrain from any criticism of him and Nike? If so, then he was trying to use his association with the University to help legitimize his company and his views on economic globalization. I trust that no such understanding ever existed.
Michael Raymer
professor, physics
Students should
attend International Night
For the last two years I have had the great privilege to attend International Night. Both times I have been astounded at the quality of the evening’s entertainment and the delicious food. The international community on our campus is extremely diverse and abounds with talented, enthusiastic students eager to share their rich traditions and cultures through food, music and dance. What a gift they give us.
This year I was especially taken by the performance of the African students, who represent many different countries from the African continent. As Joyce Mmari, this year’s co-director of International week, put it, each African country is unique, with different histories and traditions. It’s important to remember that. But the overall theme of their love of family and music weaves its way throughout their cultures. I could feel that love during their performance.
I will sincerely miss International Night after I graduate and move on to graduate school in a different state. I hope that more of the University community takes the opportunity to attend next year’s International Night. It’s a wonderful celebration that does much to increase one’s appreciation of the similarities we all share as well as the unique way we express our diversity.
Paula DeBell
Senior PPPM
Anti-abortion display
no picnic
I support any woman’s right to choose how to prevent and terminate pregnancies. If a woman needs to get an abortion, she’ll get one anyway, putting her life in danger.
It is not OK, though, for Justice For All to judge others, especially on the basis of religion. And who equates a picnic with anti-abortion theology anyway? Does God approve?
The Genocide Awareness Project was brought to campus by people who were desperate, and now they want to bring it back yearly. I work in a child-care facility, and I know that several children had to walk past the terrible pictures. Few knew it was going to be in the EMU Amphitheater. Instead of letting the others cover the pictures for those who did not want to see, they hiked the pictures even further up!
Way to go! (Sense the sarcasm.)
Anna Peterson
Students for Choice member
sociology, women’s studies
Ryan not the focus
of the week
I write this letter in response to the short letter titled “Jesus vs. Ryan” (ODE, April 25). I would like to offer more insight on Ryan and the campus-wide event. The letter stated that Jesus was a revolutionary, and Ryan is a business student and football player, enough said. I agree 100 percent.
In fact, there is more to be said. This week of awareness is not about Ryan. The groups sponsoring the event do not compare Ryan to Jesus, nor do they worship him or follow him. The people that agree with Ryan are saying, “Like Ryan, I am a person who believes in God, and Jesus as the son of God.” Most of these people believe that Jesus is the only way to know God personally and live eternal life in heaven. These are the fundamental beliefs of Christians all over the world. Ryan actually has nothing to do with this belief. Ryan is a representative of hundreds of students around campus that believe the statement above. It could have been Ryan, Mark, Christy, Jon, Sara or any number of students that follow Jesus Christ.
This is a week of awareness, do you agree with Ryan? Now that is enough said.
Jeff Martens
senior, business