Letters to the Editor

Affirmative action should be changed

To the Daily:

There are a multitude of viewpoints upon the topic of affirmative action. But I have found that they all seem to be missing what I find to be the true point of affirmative action. Namely, it should aid those people who have done the most with their opportunities. To state that everyone has had the same opportunities is an obviously false statement. To state that simply because someone is a certain race that they have had less opportunities is also false.

Rather it is the individual person's background that is the true judge of how they have, and will, deal with both opportunity and difficulty. Therefore, affirmative action should not be abolished, nor should it continue as it has been. Yes, to delve so deeply into every application sent here will take quite a bit more time and effort, but is it not worth that time and effort in order to be able to state that with all things considered, only the best are allowed to come to the University? Let us attempt to bridge the gulf that we are creating here at the University and at the same time, aid those that truly deserve it.

Mike Greer

LSA sophomore

'U' computer users should follow policy

To the Daily:

In the Feb. 11 issue of the Daily, Carlos Hernandez Ford's letter titled, "ITD access should be a 'right' for all students," said that he had received an e-mail message stating "Access to information technology is a privilege, not a right." He implies that the University is charging a fee for information technology services that he does not have a right to and asks if he can opt out of these services.

The Information Technology Division offers a set of fundamental information technology services to all registered students, faculty and regular staff through its Basic Computing Package. These services are currently provided at no charge. The services include: e-mail, uniqname and UMICH password, login service, online campus directory service (X.500), laser printing at the Campus Computing Sites (up to 400 pages free per term), standard dial-in access, file storage on the Institutional File System (IFS), Help Desk assistance, World Wide Web access, Conferencing on the Web, Confer U participation and access to Usenet News.

Out of respect for the University community, those using information technology services at the University are expected to use these resources responsibly. Like other information technology providers, we ask that you abide by a set of guidelines that are considered appropriate use. The University's "Proper Use Policy" and "Guidelines for Responsible Use" are included in the University of Michigan Standard Practice Guide, that may be accessed on the Web at: http://www.umich.edu/~SPGONLIN/600/.

Sending unauthorized mass e-mail messages to thousands is considered inappropriate use of computing resources at the University. Mass e-mail messages interfere with the intended use of the information resources by tying up equipment for extended periods, and possibly causing equipment failures.

We urge all users of information technology services to be aware of the appropriate use policies, be conscious of their use of the University's resources and be considerate of all users of University computing services.

Jose-Marie Griffiths

Chief Information Officer

Affirmative action must be discontinued

To the Daily:

After reading the Daily article about the efforts of student groups opposing the elimination of race-based admissions at Michigan universities ("Students oppose plan to eliminate preferences," 2/10/99), I was amazed at the apparent hypocritical nature of the defenders. Then I was handed a small leaflet while walking through the Diag today about the "National Day in Defense of affirmative action" and was incensed by the accusations leveled at the state legislators proposing the initiative.

What is so wrong about having admissions based solely on merit and ability rather than on quotas for skin color, sex, nationality, etc.? Why must minority groups - who insist on equality - demand special preference? Am I the only who sees the contradiction here?

I believe in equality and fairness for all people, which is why I think affirmative action should end. Sure, we don't live in a perfect world, and some discrimination does still occur, but let's not punish the masses with admissions quotas. Let the universities admit students for their abilities - with equality for all applicants.

I may not agree with the affirmative action defenders, but I respect and support their right to opposing view points. However, I must draw the line when debaters resort to juvenile tactics for their defense. I was appalled at the use of baseless name-calling used on the leaflet I was handed. What right do they have in calling Sen. David Jaye (R-Shelby Twp.) a "racist" and what makes them think this ballot would lead to "resegregation?"

Defenders, please think about this: How would you feel if your own admission was based on the color of your skin, and not for your hard work and academic accomplishments? Is that what you want to continue?

Julie Hermann

Engineering junior

02-15-99