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Show Opinion SOUTHERN UTAH STATE COLLEGE, CEDAR CITY THE THUNDERBIRD MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1990 PAGE 4 FREEDOM OF VIEW IS SACRED, TOO Closely akin to freedom of acron in society, is freedom from interference of ones opinions, freedom from censorship in the publication of ones thoughts, and freedom in the production and dissemination of works of art. The Moral Majority has been working overtime attempting to regulate, that is, suppress, certain forms of expression that they find as objectionable. In an ironic twist, college campuses nationwide, traditionally known as the bastions of free expression, have undergone a startling metamorphosis in which statements of racism, sexism, and prejudice against the homophobia, handicapped are taboo. Accordingly, on a number of prestigious campuses, a vast majority of students and faculty feel that restraints on free expression are an integral aspect of higher education. Nor has this disturbing phenomena somehow spared Utah. A recent incident lends truth to the philosophy that men fear thought as they fear nothing else on earth. Controversy arose between the Utah State Board of Education and a coalition of community groups earlier this month over material in a traveling exhibit detailing the Nazi persecution of homosexuals. Apparently, state education officials felt that including materials on the persecution of gays during the Holocaust was advocating homosexuality as a desirable or acceptable lifestyle. Needless to say, the State Board of Education soon realized the error of its logic and have included a three page section as a supplement to the 38 page information packet describing the exhibit; students will now have the opportunity to learn that Nazi oppression included not only Jews, Gypsies, and the disabled, but homosexuals as well. The prevailing view that we have to protect minority rights at any cof has served to shackle free thought and has a damaging effect on the very people who are insisting they be safeguarded. We believe, as Malcolm X believed, that language can be used as both a sword and a shield. By turning to censorship instead of challenge, advocates for tighter control are only stifling the expression of speech they would want to hear and respond to. Virtuous censors who claim by checking certain speech, writing, or works of art, serves to ensure social harmony, should be aware that such a mentality does more harm than good. Language, for instance, might become as pure as bottled water, but would sexism or racism disappear? No, it would go underground where it would inflict greater damage. We are troubled that the politically correct view on many campuses favors repression of First Amendment rights. But one. neednt look farther than Tiananmen Square to see what the alternative is, and quite frankly, well have no part of it. anti-Semitis- The Thunderbird VOLUME 84, NUMBER 41 Editor Kathleen Midgley Editor Natalie Coombs Sports and Outdoors Editor Brent Richey Production Manager Lynn Dcnnert Director James Spainhower Opinion Ad Manager Brent Richey Photo Editor Jeff Dower Arts &. Leisure Editor Jason North Faculty Adviser Larry Baker Associate The Thunderbird is published each Monday and Thursday of the academic year by and for the student body of Southern Utah State College and is not affiliated in anv way 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 unsigred editorial directly above is the opinion of The Thunderbird as a single entity. Letters to the editor must be rped and include the name and phone number. Only the name will be printed. Names will not be withheld under any circumstances and the editor reserves editing privileges. Letters must be submitted by noon Fridays for Monday editions; 5 p.m. Tuesdays for Thursday editions. The Thunderbirdeditorial offices in SUSC Library 103; advertising in Library 102. Mail at SUSC Box 9384, Cedar City, UT 84720. Phone (801) or Letters U.S. Army is not tool for dictators TO THE EDITOR: Severences remark about ROTC and dictators was purely tongue-in-cheeBut, in the small case someone on campus is ignorant enough to take him seriously, we thought a history lesson is in order. The United States army is in the business of bringing dictators down, not supporting them: e.g. k. ' We have amusedly read the letters to the editor regarding the purported violations to the ASSUSC elections last quarter. Our congratulations to those who have surfaced their opinions on both We sides! are sure that Earle the Kaiser (1918), Hitler, Mussolini, and Hirohito (1945), and of course, Noriega (1989). Steve Jarvis, Richard A. Rassbach, Nathele Poyer, Nathan Carter, Michael A. Manwaring, Shawn Johnson, Craig R. Mason, Chad Williams, Daniel Drawe SU offers a quality educational bargain TO THE EDITOR: Laundry detergent for $5, milk for $2.50, Fruity Pebbles for $3!! Even in Cedar City its getting harder and harder to find a good deal. However, this town does have what I think is the best deal around. Southern Utah State College offers its students a quality, personalized education to match or exceed any four-yea- r school in the West. Between my roommate and 1, we have attended four schools in three states and we both agree that Southern Utah is che best. SUSC already has staff to match any university in the state. The name change to Southern Utah University will only be a formality to bring this schools image up to where the schools quality already stands. Incoming freshmen dont have to sit in classes with over 200 students enrolled, or listen to graduate students from East India who speak English like Yasir Arafat. At some schools, professors are only seen on closed- - circuit TV because of enrollment sizes. Getting answers to questions is quite difficult in a setting like that. Students here can see their professors almost any time without an appointment. Teachers seem concerned with each student and will help any who request it. Im amazed at how many students complain about a class or professor but never take time to see a teacher who is more than willing to help. The open-doo- r policy here is something that is not characteristic of many schools. Enrollment in classes is small enough here even in the general education classes for the students to know their teachers and for teachers to know and personally help their students. I am especially impressed with the business department and its professors. Many here are involved in politics and private business enough to stay informed on current affairs. With an attorney to teach law, CPAs to teach accounting, MBAs and PhDs to teach other business classes SUSC has a qualified business staff. Being known by my first name and getting individual attention when ever I need it is also nice. From my own experience and from other students I know that the other schools on campus are similarly well staffed. Dozens of teachers are hired from this institution every year, national companies recruit here, rent is cheap, skiing is only thirty minutes away, hunting and fishing are nearby (Bambi is in our freezer). We have new buildings, a great basketball team, etc. Maybe Cedar should be bigger of Vegas should be closer, maybe we are a bit isolated, maybe the power shouldnt go out so much. At least some things are the same; a lift pass for $23, one text for $52!! To quote one illustrious prothink I just took it in the fessor, I shorts. 1 suppose they are just trying to prepare us for the real world. Jim Shumway |