IUPD

Reparations would even playing field for races

I am disappointed and saddened with the decision of the IDS to run the David Horowitz anti-reparations ad in the April 13 paper. The ad is full of untruths and sophistry. The integrity of the IDS is at stake in providing a paid forum for David Horowitz to promulgate anti-reparations arguments that are factually incorrect.

'IDS' ignores slave history

I have a few comments and questions for the staff and managing editor at the IDS. I am sure that a major part of your time was spent researching the topic of slavery before you made the decision to publish the racist (Horowitz) paid ($800) advertisement.

Bathroom etiquette laws

Bathrooms are awkward places. I don't think I've ever had a normal experience in a bathroom, and I don't know if there's any such thing as a "normal experience" to be had in a place like that in the first place. There are some people on this campus who make restroom experiences very unpleasant, which is exactly why we must initiate restroom etiquette laws immediately.

International students face unique challenges

I came to America to improve my English late last August. It's been eight months since then, and I feel that the America I am looking at now is different from the one I saw at first. I have been influenced by both positive and negative experiences.

A fond farewell

This will be my last column as a student journalist. It is a sad, sad day. But do not fear, young readers, for some day someone of my stature shall once again grace the pages of the Indiana Daily Student.

Quiet nights ordinance unreasonable

Little 500 is a time for celebrating IU culture and community. For one weekend, Bloomington is alive with a positive energy that infects the whole campus. It excludes no one, discriminates against nothing and rejoices in the college experience that is IU. The races showcase hardworking students and community members who labor yearlong for the glory of winning the race.

Success not the way to happiness

The recent experience of applying to law schools and now trying to decide where to go has brought back memories of the college application process. One of the dilemmas I faced back then was deciding what would be most important to me -- should I go some place where I would have a better shot at individual advancement or one where social development was emphasized?

Free trade will help economy

Sunday, President George W. Bush signed his name to the Declaration of Quebec City, making the United States a member of the Free Trade Area of the Americas. Although the repercussions from this agreement will not truly be felt until it is put into effect in 2005, it is a step in the right direction of free trade among North and South American countries.

Twenty-two years

Legislators push for stricter laws on dog attacks

State Sen. Vi Simpson's legislation to tighten Indiana's law on dog attacks heads to conference committee today. Simpson, D-Ellettsville, sponsored the legislation after a pack of dogs fatally mauled a 71-year-old census taker in Brown County last summer. "This is an issue that is extremely important to the people of Brown County and, indeed, to all Hoosiers," she said. "Dog owners must be held responsible for serious harm caused by their animals. This bill allows prosecutors to appropriately enforce personal responsibility."

Junior to compete in World University Games

Junior Susan Woessner, who will compete in the World University Games, said she still can't believe where swimming has taken her. "I'm not sure it's really hit me yet," Woessner said about the Games, to take place in Beijing. The Dayton, Ohio, native began swimming competitively late in her high school career. Woessner said she considered herself lucky to have a spot on IU's team and chose the school because of its athletic and academic reputation. As a freshman, she couldn't swim the 100-yard backstroke in less than a minute.

Decision malicious

I was recently appalled by a malicious decision on the part of the IDS to present what amounts to hate speech in the student newspaper. The fact that it is an advertisement only leads me to the assumption that you endorse this type of ideology even if this is not the case.

Drawing district, party lines

The General Assembly's regular session comes to close at midnight Saturday. But with political bickering about a $21 billion two-year budget at a time when state revenues are shrinking with a slowing economy, a special session is inevitable. And redrawing the lines for the state's congressional districts -- an often political issue -- also looms large. Thad Nation, a spokesman for Gov. Frank O'Bannon, said he is "70 percent sure" the governor will be forced to convene a special session that could stretch on until late summer.

State budget affects new school

With Indiana's new budget still being created, the School of Informatics is especially susceptible to the lack of funds available this year for higher education. The informatics school, which offers classes that link technology to other departments, began offering classes last fall. A conference committee is meeting to find a compromise for the state budget. If a budget is not in place by April 29, the legislature must go to a special session that could continue until June 30.

'IDS' helps bring hatemongers to Bloomington

The running of the David Horowitz ad in your paper April 13 showed poor taste and remarkable insensitivity to communities on this campus. The response by students in the form of letters, guest columns and town hall meetings shows remarkable courage and integrity. Ads such as this one lay the ground for other hatemongers to come into our community.

Tourney chance lost with team's defeat

A winless weekend on the road ensured the softball team will not meet its goal of reaching the Big Ten tournament. The last-place Hoosiers dropped two games to Northwestern (17-18, 6-7 Big Ten) on Friday, 4-2, 5-1.

Team cruises to 52-point win

Before this weekend, women's track and field coach Randy Heisler said it would be rough for his team to win because the Hoosiers would be competing against Eastern Michigan and Illinois and because those two teams wouldn't steal points from each other.

The best time of the year

This, my friends, is the best time of the year if you like sports. Taking nothing away from the drama and excitement of the NCAA men's basketball tournament, the NBA playoffs are the best postseason in sports. But the sports world -- the combination of everything going on at one time -- makes right now better than any other time of year.

Racial debate should be encouraged

David Horowitz's advertisement, "Ten Reasons Why Reparations for Slavery is a Bad Idea -- and Racist, Too" has thankfully sparked a campus-wide debate on reparations, which often leads to racial discussions in general.

Hoosiers dominate at home

The men's track and field team continued its home dominance, recording 12 wins in 19 events en route to its second victory of the outdoor season and third of 2001 Saturday at the Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex.