Jordan River Forum

Campus still must work toward handicap accessibility\nI had a recent experience that suggests IU is not as accessible to people with disabilities as it ought to be. I am no expert on the subject; I do not have a disability, but I did have the misfortune lately to need to enter the Main Library with a baby stroller. To enter the building, I had to navigate a long ramp with right angles, wheel down a long corridor and use a phone to gain access to an elevator. \nTo exit, I had to visit two stations before finding the librarian with the key allowing me to go down in the elevator. I can only imagine how strenuous and uninviting such an odyssey must be to someone trying to maneuver in a wheelchair. The experience struck me as a mockery of the Americans with Disabilities act, especially given IU's status as a public university supposedly accessible to all. Members of the IU community concerned about protecting people with disabilities should take note of this easily ignored but significant failure to be inclusive. \nDr. Steve Weitzman\nAssociate professor of religious studies \nSaving one life requires destruction of many more human beings\nIn her column, "Stem cell research nothing to fear," Amy Orringer raised two important points and then completely dropped the ball, glossing over them with cheeky opinions and backwards logic.\nShe clowned on President George W. Bush's comments about stem-cell research being unacceptable because it hinges on the creation and destruction of human life. This is true and is one of the fundamental reasons why this research is wrong. We should not be creating human life to use it for our own purposes, however noble they may be. For her to criticize Bush's death penalty stance, she must have some respect for human life. If she disagrees with criminals, why is killing the most fragile humans justified?\nIn her conclusion, she declared to America that "if they can save even one life with this new technology, let them do it." The problem is that to save one life, they must first create and destroy many, many, more.\nIt is not fear that makes some Americans disfavor embryonic stem cell research, it is respect for human life.\nAlso, referring to the cells of a human embryo as "medicine" is really sick and disturbing.\nDavid Williams\nSenior\nEnergy conservation could save needed funds, resources\nHow difficult would it be for everybody at IU, on every campus, to make a concerted effort to conserve energy while on campus? I propose we start by each trying to make cutbacks in the region of $1 per month. I can see no real hardship here, and guess this would put considerable funds back into the budget. \nAs I walk the buildings at Bloomington, I see many opportunities to cut back on electric use. Hallways have too many bulbs burning, lights and computer monitors are left on, print jobs could be condensed, etc.\nWe already employ Risk Management teams for security reasons. Could we add an environmental risk team responsible for touring campus looking for ways to conserve energy?\nIf the thought of losing some of the benefits of being a student here is hitting home at the moment please take some personal responsibility and cut back. \nScott Maxwell\nGraduate student \nIDS should respond to new Kerasotes 'competition clause'\nHey editorial staff, are you going to respond to Kerasotes' decision to put a "competition clause" in the selling of the Von Lee? Or are competition clauses part of the capitalist system? I was always taught that competition was one of the foundations of capitalism.\nAs a longtime reader of the IDS, I was disappointed with the lame editorial defending the Kerasotes monopoly. Are you are aware that other movie chains offer student discounts? Perhaps the IDS should look into these issues before defending Kerasotes.\nMy disappointment with the IDS's stance was tempered by a reminder from a friend who told me; "don't let it get you down, Kev, remember these are the same students who have accepted a Burger King as their Commons, and who walk around advertising for corporations (Nike, Gap, Abercrombie and Fitch) without even knowing it, or getting paid!"\nScott Maxwell\nGraduate student\nEmpty buildings could be used to house homeless community\nI'm curious if anyone could explain to me why there three greek houses on campus that are sitting empty when winter is approaching and there are homeless people in Bloomington. After all, these are unused mansions with numerous bedrooms and full kitchens. It seems a little sick to me that these potential shelters are just boarded up and left to rot.\nProposed cuts seem unfair in face of other spendings\nThis letter is in protest to the proposed cuts at IU, especially at the Physical Plant. It is amazing to me that they want to cut that type of service, but think nothing of spending money converting the chancellor's swimming pool to a dance floor. I guess a dance is more inportant that the livelihood of a family. \nI guess I don't see how these people can justify layoff people, and yet still want to spend money on what I would call dumb stuff. It seems that the more people make the less money they spend on the necessities. Both the University president and chancellor get free housing. Do you in your present job? They basically get free meals. Do you in your present job? The money that is being spent on those two positions alone could support several families. Just something for you to think about.\nDuane H. Minch\nBloomington resident\n'Class act' coach deserves to finish his contract with IU\nLast year, the University administration made a firm statement that in evaluating athletic coaching performance, more than wins and losses are important. The University made a statement that off- field performance, demeanor and image reflected upon the University are at least equally important.\nThis year, we have a coach whose team did not win as many games as expected and record-wise has improved only slightly in terms of number of wins. But this team leads its peer group in graduation rates among Division 1 programs and has seen its most valuable player return after graduation. Despite the pressures the disappointments and the frustrations, this coach has maintained his composure throughout the season. In his post game press conferences, though obviously dejected, respected them for the job they have to do. The press was not demeaned. No telephones broken in anger, no cussing at media, players or officials, no excuses. In summary, this man conducted himself with dignity and brought credit to the University. He lived well within a zero tolerance level even under adverse situations.\nIf for no other reason other than the class act and gentleman Cam Cameron is, he should be offered the chance to continue coaching the IU football team. \nThe team that went 0 and 4 is not the same team that went 5-2 Even the casual fan should have observed the improvement, especially in a much maligned defensive unit. Remember this is a team that held two bitter rival opponents to a total of 22 points and much less than 100 yards rushing combined! This is a team that saw six of its 11 opponents invited to post-season bowl games and whose strength of schedule was judged to be the eighth strongest in the nation.\nWe will all miss Antwaan Randle El and the rest of the seniors, his ability will not be replaced. But the team we watched play in the Kentucky game is a much improved team than the one who played in Raleigh. Even without a talented graduating class, the 2002 Hoosiers hold up high\nexpectations for an exciting year of IU football with Cameron as the coach. Administration, live up to your message that wins and losses are not the end all at IU. Send me my season ticket application, I'm ready for 2002.\nFrank Vilardo\nFaculty