RHA article misinforms about organization\nI am writing in response to Brittany Ausmus' article ("Students seeking change from IUSA," Feb. 18). In the article, misleading comments are made that may give students an incorrect understanding of RHA.\nRHA is the Residence Halls Association, not the Residential Housing Association. We are the student government in the residence halls. The students quoted in the article are confusing us with Residential Programs and Services. RHA is not a policy-making organization. We serve in an advocacy position, taking student concerns and presenting them to RPS in an effort to affect positive change for our residents. We sympathize with the quoted students' concerns, as they are our concerns as well and we will continue to take those concerns to RPS. \nKristin Nesbitt\nRHA Communications Coordinator
Artwork inappropriate because incomplete \nWith the recent light being shed on the murals in Woodburn Hall 100 ("Art's intention is education" editorial, Feb. 18), it is only appropriate that the IDS finally focuses on the topic of this discussion that has been a controversy from the day it was hung on the wall. The idea you rally behind is that the mural is "intended' for educational purposes and although this is true, these intentions have not been met by the work of art being located in the classroom.\nBenton's mural is not in its entirety. The mural has about 25 panels depicting Indiana's history. Only two, however, were chosen to be placed in Woodburn 100. In this sense, the mural is out of context because it is not featured with the remainder of the mural. Just as it is inappropriate to misquote or slice pieces from someone's quote -- thus changing the meaning of the expressed thought -- it is wrong for IU to take a slice of Benton's art and place it on a wall where the message of his artwork is fragmented and lost.\nBenton also fails to represent the multitude of diversity that was present in Indiana in 1933 such as the black steel workers in Gary, the underground railroad and the increasing role of the woman prior to the women's suffrage movement. Art is a form of personal expression, one in which Benton does not acknowledge the progress of diversity in Indiana.\nAnd because Benton's art is controversial, it is better suited in a controlled environment where one can choose to view or disregard the message within the mural, not be forced to view this mural and be satisfied with IU's belief that it promotes social activism.\nYes, the mural is a depiction of Indiana's history. Yet it would be more effective if placed in a museum where its message can be appreciated and explored instead of a distraction and unexplained phenomenon students view in Woodburn Hall 100. This is a proposal that all students rallying for diversity should proudly stand behind.\nCarolyn Randolph\nSophomore
Campers' ideals OK but actions have no impact\nI would like to commend Glen Carson for his letter to the editor ("Peace camp tents should come down," Feb. 8) and bringing the issue of the Peace Camp to the forefront.\nDissent and protest are two of the freedoms we as Americans possess and embrace. Although I do not share this view, I realize that there are many who object to the military action that is underway to battle terrorism and respect their opinions. However, I do question the actions of the peace campers. Before Mr. Carson's letter, there had been no attention at all given to those camped out in Dunn Meadow since late September. Some students were not even aware a peace camp existed on campus. I understand their contempt for the war being waged overseas and at home, but what are they hoping to accomplish by living in a field? I feel there are other ways besides living in an unsanitary makeshift "refugee camp" in which they can get across their message of peace and still live in the comfort of their homes (on which I assume they are still paying monthly rent).\nIn hard times like these it is important to realize that not everyone is going to agree with what action should be taken to combat terrorism. What we cannot do is attack one another based on our stance on the subject, which seems to be a growing trend. If the peace campers have information they feel is vital they should be allowed to distribute it freely.\nI urge them to take another look at what they are hoping to achieve by living in Dunn Meadow, and if what they have accomplished so far is worth putting a blemish on our beautiful campus.\nSteve Freedman\nSenior
