THE
MAROON EDITORIAL
Established 1923 • “For a Greater Loyola”
EDITORIAL BOARD DANIEL MONTEVERDE editor in chief LINDSEY NETHERLY news editor NICOLE WROTEN Life & Times editor LAUREN LaBORDE editorial editor TARA TEMPLETON ALEX WOODWARD senior staff writers ROSIE DAO multimedia editor
KATHLEEN MCCANN chief copy editor RAMON VARGAS sports editor STEVE KASHISHIAN MICHAEL NISSMAN photo editors CATHERINE COTTON design editor
EDITORIAL
Crimes makes a comeback AT ISSUE: The recent
resurgence in crime poses threat to students New Orleanians have willingly embraced the recent return of other residents and local businesses as the city continues on its path toward normalcy. But most locals would agree that one aspect of pre-Katrina New Orleans could have remained elsewhere. As the number of local murders in the past month has surpassed those in Iraq, it seems like New Orleans has once again established itself as an unsafe place to live. The glimmer of hope provided by the lull in crime immediately following Katrina seemed to vanish with the floodwaters. Since Loyola’s campus is immersed in this dangerous city, students are rightfully concerned with their safety. This recent trend especially poses a threat to students who live on campus. While students can certainly take certain measures to protect themselves, University Police must play a vital role in maintaining on-campus safety. Police are seemingly non-existent on campus late at night, when many students are leaving the library or extracurricular activities. The mere presence of police is comforting to these students. Loyola has taken a good step in the right direction by developing a task force to ensure the safety of students on campus and to study ways to improve what might be lacking in regard to security. As UP commits to do their part to adapt to living in an unsafe city, students should also do the same. They should travel in groups when going out and while walking around campus late at night. Students should make a conscious effort avoid situations in which they may be susceptible to crime. It is true that the recent crime has been predominately due to gang violence and drug-related disputes. However, it is extremely easy to become an innocent victim in one of those situations if one isn’t careful. Locals know, and out-of-state students have discovered, that New Orleans is a wonderful, culturally-rich city despite its shortcomings. As much of what we missed about New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina returns, we must work to end the violence and murder that we would like to forget. If residents and local law enforcement take measures to end the perpetuating cycle of violence, New Orleans may one day be a city with both cultural merit and a low crime rate.
THE
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MAROON
FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2007
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
EDITORIAL POLICY
Columnist misses ‘message’ Dear Editor, I’m not sure how I reacted to reading Lauren LaBorde’s column (“Losing my religion, but making darn good cupcakes,” Nov. 10, 2006). Amused? Flabbergasted? It would appear that Ms. LaBorde failed to get the “message” of the school’s mission. Or even worse, the school failed to impress on her the “message.” In the words of the great Bard,“Methinks the lady protests too loudly.” I would suggest she read “The Hound of Heaven.”
She would feel right at home. I am a Loyola graduate (1949). In my day such a column would have found itself in a “file” other than in The Maroon. But Jesuit education then fulfilled its mission. Now I truly wonder. Thomas More, Charles Degaulle, Ignatius Loyola, Heywood Brown (an esteemed journalist of the 40s and 50s) - wake up. How unenlightened you were. Respectfully, J. Donald Persich, M.D. Class of 1949
Greek letters spell out stereotypes Dear Editor, When I first received my jersey on the day I was initiated into my sorority, I vowed to wear it every day. Wearing this jersey, I thought, would allow me to display the pride I have in my organization. Only two semesters later, I have learned that wearing a jersey can be very difficult at times. Rather than getting to know me or give me a fair chance, many students on campus judge me solely based off of the letters worn across my chest. One of my classmates recently described Loyola sorority girls as “stuck up” and “conceited,” and another offered her opinion of us as “heavy drinking, bed-hopping sluts.” The fraternities’ rap is just as bad. People often describe them as alcoholics and date rapists. Where do these perceptions come from? Have these students actually had negative experiences with Greeks, or is it all just assumption and hearsay? Rather than hickeys and hangovers, I have gained strong leadership skills, lifelong friends and a genuine concern for the underprivileged in our community through my Greek organization. The Greek organizations at Loyola, individually and collectively, boast more leaders on campus than any other organizations. Greeks hold leadership posi-
tions in several organizations such as SGA and UPB. Greeks also largely contribute at least 50 hours of their time to community service work each semester. Additionally, each chapter organizes fundraisers and events to benefit their particular philanthropic organization. An earlier Maroon article (“Loyola turns out low numbers for election,” Nov. 10, 2006) mentioned that Loyola students attended the Delta Gamma date auction rather than voting on the day of mid-term elections. This assumption is ridiculous for many reasons. The date auction obviously had no bearing on the lack of student interest in the election. Additionally, the date auction was cast in a light of triviality. What the author failed to mention was that the auction earned nearly $1,000 for Service for Sight, Delta Gamma’s philanthropy. Sure we like to go out and have a good time, but what college student in New Orleans doesn’t? This isn’t what defines us. Our positive attributes strongly outweigh our negative ones. I just wish people would get a good read on me before they read the letters on my shirt. Sincerely, Katie Anderson Mass communication sophomore
Stand on your proverbial soapbox. Have an opinion? Draw an editorial cartoon, send a letter to the editor or write a guest column.
The editorials on this page represent the majority opinions of The Maroon’s editorial board and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Loyola University. Letters and columns reflect the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of The Maroon’s editorial board. The Maroon does not represent the opinion of administration, staff, and/or faculty members of Loyola. Letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and style. Please limit submissions to 400 words. Submissions are due no later than 4 p.m. the Sunday before publication. Please send all submissions to The Maroon, 6363 St. Charles Ave., Box 64, New Orleans, LA 70118 Or write us via e-mail: letter@loyno.edu. Submissions may also be made through The Maroon Online at www.loyolamaroon.com.
HOWLS & GROWLS HOWL to Saints for giving us hope. GROWL to the dreaded end of a far too short break. HOWL to UP for helping students who have locked their keys in their cars. GROWL to the massive construction site outside of Bobet. HOWL to king cake being in season. GROWL to the increased chance of being killed offcampus.
Submit to letter@loyno.edu
“The commencement of anything of consequence in this material world that surrounds us is made with a certain definite object in view. The Maroon, which makes its commencement today, has for its goal of endeavor: A Greater Loyola.” — NOV. 1, 1923