Norris article disappointing
I was disappointed with Christiana Schmitz's article in Friday's paper about the construction at Norris ("Construction leaves Norris staff out in cold"). By far, the majority of the Norris staff is extremely excited about the new coffee house and has been expecting the construction for more than a year. The Norris University Center conducted extensive studies to determine how the changes will affect how NU students use our union. The purpose of a student union is to create a comfortable environment for students where they can study, relax, etc. Ideally, Norris would like to be a second home for Northwestern students, and we hope that the renovations on the first floor help Norris achieve this goal.
Lindsey Schott's quote, "It's kind of silly because I don't think people will come to Norris for the purpose of lounging anyway," is only one person's opinion. I am certain that had Schmitz spoken to others, she would have heard a more positive response.
Next time, I hope you conduct enough interviews to understand and demonstrate to your readers that the Norris student and professional staff is excited about this project and the potential it has to improve the "union experience" for all Northwestern students.
- Sarah Michael Music junior Programming supervisor, Norris Center for Student Involvement
Gay candidates make strides
In this month's elections, gay marriage prohibitions passed in seven states despite a broad triumph for Democrats (Janessa Goldbeck, "Liberty and justice for all, except gays," Nov. 9). It is disappointing and alarming that some Americans continue to vote for wrong-headed legislation, but the election was by no means a mandate against homosexuality. We can't take back the marriage amendments already passed, but we can help shape the future of the country by voting for legislators who will defend the civil rights guaranteed under the Constitution. On Tuesday, Americans did just that, electing an unprecedented number of openly gay and lesbian candidates.
The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a Washington-based political action committee, reported that 67 openly gay or lesbian candidates won their races Nov. 7. Thirty-seven of these winners were running for the first time. Victory's Web site reports that many of these candidates will be the first openly gay candidates to serve in their districts and states.
Rep. Patricia Todd will be the first openly gay elected official in the state of Alabama when she takes her seat in January. Kathy Webb stands to do the same in the Arkansas State House. After Tuesday's results, Oregon will have not one but two openly gay state Supreme Court justices on the bench. And Utah, that conservative bastion (and my home state), will be one of 11 states to have more than two openly gay state legislators, according to Equality Utah. (They have three.)
Another encouraging sign: A recent Zogby poll conducted for the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute found that more than 70 percent of respondents would vote for an openly gay or lesbian candidate for state legislature if the candidate shared their views on the issues, U.S. Newswire reported.
Across America - in Indiana, Oklahoma, Washington, Idaho, Iowa and Florida - Americans voted for gay candidates. And gay candidates proved something remarkable: Equality is never given, but it can be earned.
- Greg Marshall Medill senior
Cheers for new leave policy
On behalf of Northwestern Students for Life, I want to congratulate the university for granting male staffers paternity leave and extending female staffers' maternity leave to two quarters ("New policy grants male staff members at NU paternity leave," Nov. 13). The decision reflects core values supported by our club. We feel that our culture needs to encourage the right to parenting and support the formation of stable families. We agree that it is important to protect the right to parenting through supportive economic and social policies. Privileging our staff with time for their families will demonstrate NU's desire to protect the right to parenting and set a standard we hope many will follow.
- Nathaniel Zebrowski Weinberg sophomore Interim president, Northwestern Students for Life
Be the first to comment on this article!