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Show PACE 4 THE THUNDERBIRD MONDAY DECEMBER 7, 1987 RELAXED PRECAUTIONS CREATE POSSIBLE THREAT With the report of attempted rapes near campus, students have become aware of the reality ol violent crime, even in Cedar City. As a result, more doors will probably be locked tonight, and fewer women will be found alone after dark. It's important to be cautious and to avoid dangerous situations, but no more today than it was three or four days ago. No one can say exactly what should have been done to prevent last weekend's unfortunate incidents, but without a doubt, everyone will be a little more conscientious because ol them. For a while anyway. It seems such occurances happen when everything seems to be OK. When guards are let down, the threat of such crimes seem distant. A relaxed altitude in any situation can pose as a threat to security. Just as lor king doors and walking with a friend after dark creates some protection, some precautions at SUSC, The Thunderbird relieves, could decrease the likelihood of problems in the future. Apparently, there seems to be some confusion concerning security on campus. Vandalism and theft has been noted on different sections of the campus without being reported to security officials. Expensive computer equipment was taken from one building, but campus security has not been notified of the theft. True, not every obscenity scratched on a restroom stall should receive campus seen ty attention, but an organized form of reporting more serious crimes should be enacted. Security should be notified ol (hells and serious vandalism from every department for a more organized system. Another precaution could solve theft problems at sporting events and other activities in the Centrum. Many cars are left unlocked, and parking areas are not patrolled. The presence of a guard or a police officer could deter potential criminals and cut down on this problem. The Deans' Council has proposed some security policies which could also cut down on campus crime. A proposed curfew will not allow am one inside buildings between midnight and 6 a.m. without written permission from SUSC's president. Anyone found in a campus building during this time will be treated as an intruder. Many thett problems have taken place during this time period, and the curfew should be passed to help control the problem. Campus security should always receive support from campus organizations. The safety of students and school property should be be a top priority, and precautions shouldn't be relaxed. SUSC has been mindful to see that the campus is adequately lighted at night and has reminded students to be careful. The Thunderbird hopes that attention will continue to be focused on the improvement of campus security. i A plea for religious understanding TO THE EDITOR: In response to the Access" article last week, may make a few remarks? We as Latter Day Saints believe firmly in religious tolerance and understanding. We live in a great nation where this is made possible and is encouraged. We don't believe in religious bigotry nor in persecution of others because of their beliefs. Let all worship how, where, and what they may. Sometimes we must be big enough to agree to disagree and still remain friends. Freedom of choice is basic. I NEWS AND VIEWS OE SOUTHERN UTAH VOLUME 82, NUMBER Editor Danny Stewart Associate Editor Lisa Jane laird Copy Editor Mitch Connell Photo Editor Richard Engleman Sports Editor Tiftame Florence STATE COll FGE CEDAR CTY. UTAH 11 Entertainment Editor D3wn DeBusk Senior Staff Writer Annette Grooms Production Manager Gavin McNeil Advertising Manager Ivnn S. Dennett Faculty Adviser Larry Baker The Thunderbird is published each Monday of the academic year by and for the student body of Southern Utah State College and is not affiliated with the College's department of communication. The views and opinions expressed in The Thunderbird are the opinions of the publication's individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the institution, faculty, staff or student body in general. The unsigned editorial directly above is the opinion of The Thunderbird as a single entity. Letters to the editor must be typed and include the name and phone number. Only the name will be printed. Names will and the editor reserves editing privileges. Letters not be withheld under any circumstance must be submitted by noon Friday for inclusion in the following week's edition. The Thunderbird: editorial and advertising offices in SUSC Library 1C3. Mail at SUSC Box 77S8. 9384, Cedar City, UT 84720. Phone (801) teachings in In a college setting there are many different kinds of people people with differing views on many things. We all need to be magnanimous and respectful of each other. We can't be expected to see on everything, but we can enjoy each other's friendship and we can learn from each other. eye-to-e- We invite and encourage students from other religious persuasions to come and attend our classes and share viewpoints. hisher church either. G.W. Graf LDS Institute of Religion Ethnocentricism should not be tolerated TO THE EDITOR: THE STUDENT In southern Utah there is a dominant religion. That religious group was the main pioneers of the area. Many of their decend-ant- s remained here. Why should we be criticized for that? It is a natural fact of demographics in this area. Yes, we could and should be more tolerant and understanding and accepting of others and their backgrounds and views. Our religion teaches us to be, and when we're not it's not our religion's fault it's our's. Perhaps not everyone in other denominations lives up to all the Ethnocentricism is 'the belief of the inherent superiority of one's own group culture." In last week's issue of The Thunderbird, a you discussed problem common in. Utah the problem of religious ethnocentricism. Your column succeeded in exposing this problem to SUSC students, but failed in offering solutions. Three solutions are in order to promote an acceptance of other cultures at SUSC: should First, an individual realize the doctrines taught in any religion should be searched for truth. Blind faith is ignorance, and following doctrines without questioning their truth is contrary to one's individuality. So, individuals should foster within themselves an acceptance of all cultures and religions. Saint Second, the Latter-Da- y (LDS) Institute of religion should realize its fault in promoting Mormon ethnocentric attitudes, and modify their curriculum and activities to include other cultures. They should also audit their "Comparative Christian Religions" course to make certain it compares Christian religions, and not do, as it did when was enrolled in it, compare religions with the intent of teaching other religions' beliefs as ludicrous so I students will embrace the Mormon religion. Perhaps it would be beneficial to invite other leaders from other religions to teach what their religion believes in, instead of a Mormon teaching what other religions believe in. Third, if the LDS Institute to continues promote ethnocentric attitudes in their college-credclasses, SUSC it should realize the institute's role in promoting these attitudes, and should not grant credit, as they do now, to two of the institute classes. An audit of those classes by faculty members would be in order to evaluate the granting of elective credit for those classes. Ultimately, it is an individual who develops prejudices, and (Continued on page 7) |