WRC serves all UA students
This is in response to Laura Winsky's commentary on the Women's Resource Center in Monday's Wildcat. While I am for the most part pleased with her accurate portrayal of the Women's Resource Center, there is one issue I would like to address. This is, in her words, "the male issue." Truthfully, I do not see the relevance of the male issue when we are talking about a Women's Resource Center. However, since we are talking about it, there are a few things I would like to clarify.
First and foremost, since the WRC functions as a resource center, we are open to all students and community members. It is true that our resources concern women's issues, but what some may fail to realize is that many "women's issues" are also human issues. In other words, if a man feels that we may be able to help him find needed information, then we would encourage him to seek out that information from us. We do not exclude men, but we are a women's center.
In addition, all this about a Men's Resource Center is, in my opinion, a load of hooey. At the first university I attended, there actually was a Men's Resource Center, and they collaborated with us at the Women's Resource Center on several occasions. If the campus community feels there is a need for a Men's Resource Center to complement our center, then there should be one. The WRC, and women at large, however, cannot be responsible for the lack of a Men's Resource Center. What I'm saying is, if men want their own center, then men need to start it. We here at the WRC would certainly be the last people to oppose such a center. I think the more realistic question of a MRC is whether or not it would by stigmatized as a place for only gay men, thereby not reaching the entire male campus community. But again, that would not be the WRC's problem, nor our fault.
KeriAnn Wells
WRC co-director
Safety first, not politics
After reading Jessica Lee's column in Tuesday's paper, I was disappointed that she does not believe the safety of all students at all times is important. However, I do, and I believe it is the job of Safe Ride to make the students feel secure on campus and its surrounding areas.
Next year, as ASUA senator, I will have the opportunity to improve upon those things that I believe are sub-par, such as Safe Ride. Safe Ride operates Sunday-Thursday from dusk to 12:55 am. What the university and Ms. Lee don't realize is that campus life does not stop when classes end; truly, this is when campus comes to life and is just as dangerous, perhaps more so. As an active member of the university community, it worries me that Safe Ride closes at 12:55 am when Coronado residents do not return until 3 a.m. after going out Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. All students should be provided with the same services because without Safe Ride, students could be walking home, making them susceptible to being mugged, raped or even killed. To me, this is not an option for the students. Hopefully, it won't take a funeral to change policy.
The two reasons Safe Ride is not running on these days and times are funding and potential abuse. The escort service has a $50,000 budget, and the ASUA van is donated by Budget Rent A Car. Why haven't more corporate sponsorships been sought out? There are many companies that would love their names to be seen by thousands of prospective clients. The money is there - it just hasn't been tapped. Potential "abuse" of the service is by students returning from parties intoxicated. Heaven forbid students use Safe Ride to get a safe ride home.
Anything that keeps them off the streets or out from behind the wheel of a car should be applauded. I do not condone underage drinking, but I realize it happens. If the university withholds Safe Ride services, they are not keeping people safe; they are potentially endangering the lives of students. If you say students who drink can't use the service, you are saying university politics are more important than the students of the university. This is wrong; the students are the university, and their safety should come first.
The college experience is not just about "academia." If it were, residence halls would still be called dorms, hundreds of clubs on campus would not exist and neither would the athletic department. Safe Ride is for the students to use in their college experiences, no matter what those experiences entail.
Jered Mansell
Political science and sociology sophomore
ASUA senator-elect
Fan behavior disappointing
I was very disappointed to see UA students on the San Diego News this evening. The behavior disgraces the hard work of the team and reflects poorly on the UA. I wanted to see a victory for Arizona as much as anyone, but it's just a basketball game.
Ed Stewart
UA alumnus, class of 1979
