The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/7/07 Section: Opinions

Organization to blame, not news media

If any organization does not wish to be associated with the actions of select members, it is the responsibility of the organization to disband its ties to those members.

In light of the recent drug allegations surrounding the three University students who all are coincidentally members of the same (AEPi) fraternity, I can understand the outrage and outcry of those members who have done nothing wrong.

That being said, their attention should be directed not toward the media, but rather at their own brotherhood for not having taken preemptive action to avoid the inevitable spotlight.

The risk management policy of AEPi Fraternity, Inc. that is sworn to by the members of the executive board to enforce and uphold states, "The possession, sale or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances while on campus premises or during a fraternity event or at any event that an observer would associate with the fraternity is strictly prohibited."

One of the charged students is alleged to have been in possession of "illegal drugs" on campus. The other two students, while not on campus or at a fraternity event, live in a house fully occupied by members of AEPi.

As an "observer," I associate their living arrangements with the fraternity, in accordance with their own policy.

Unfortunately, because the fraternity failed to take action against the accused brothers in an effort to distance itself from the possible tarnishing of its name as a whole, it is forced to suffer the consequence of a besmirched reputation.

DAVID ASMAN
Senior, Dunwoody
Chemistry

Only truth should be taught in class

In Response to Katy Ruth Camp's March 5 column, perhaps there is some truth in Miss Camp's opinion that creationism should not be taught in public schools.

Miss Camp, though, has illustrated a rather narrow idea of what should and should not be taught in the classroom.

Evolution has always been taught as a theory rather than ultimate truth. The argument is actually a question of whether or not a belief, opposed to a theory, should be instilled in young, pliable minds.

Miss Ruth discussed that a separation between church and state is in the Constitution for a reason. If that is her argument, she also needs to point out the fact this nation was founded, "Under God." Maybe, however, Miss Ruth got it partially correct.

A belief shouldn't be included in classroom criteria, but that statement begs a question. A theory isn't considered truth; it is a proposed explanation of a class of phenomena. So, is there much of a difference between a belief and a theory - since neither are considered "truth?"

In my very humble opinion, public schools should either teach all or nothing and treat generally accepted beliefs and theories alike - as theories and nothing more.

JOHN F. CLARK
Senior, Cartersville
Consumer economics

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