No right to be protected from offensive speech

Among the shallowest possible responses to recent offensive speech at the UA, including graphic pictures of aborted fetuses and “”gangsta””-themed parties, are calls for university administrators to censor such speech.

Neither the U.S. Constitution nor traditions of natural rights assert that one has the right to be protected from offensive speech. In fact, both assert that such speech ought to be protected. Anyone who manages not to be exposed to offensive speech during a four-year college career should report immediately to the Administration building to request a tuition refund for not having learned anything.

Thankfully, the administration does not seem to be taking any action to censor these examples of protected speech. In the wake of feminists selling candies resembling female anatomy on the UA Mall, one observes that men and women with self-esteem have not attempted to censor feminists’ current lyrical bastardization of the Australian folk song “”Waltzing Matilda,”” fearing our brothers and sisters from Down Under may be offended.

One also observes, with genuine gratitude, that opponents of feminists’ recent speech on this campus have chosen not to respond by selling candies resembling male anatomy. I hope this remains so.

Garrett P. O’Hara political science senior

Anna Nicole ‘inspirational,’ a tribute to self-reliance

I find it infuriating that the Arizona Daily Wildcat’s coverage of Anna Nicole Smith’s untimely death was featured only in a “”Celebrate”” column. What a disgrace. Some of us rely 100 percent on our Wildcat to inform us of the issues facing our great nation, and I feel betrayed that I had to discover this news on the Internet rather than in my trusted news source.

Anna Nicole touched all of our lives in one way or another for years and taught us that we have a chance to make it in this world if we just try. Her combination of natural beauty and intense drive inspired me to pursue my dream career in archaeology rather than just marry the next fabulously wealthy gentleman that came along. I learned from her mistakes.

I would like to encourage the Wildcat to print more stories about the human spirit rather than snippets about a “”green leafy substance.”” We, as students and your readers, deserve more.

Allisa Stoimenoff UA alumna

Greek organizations don’t deserve stereotypes

Stereotypes hurt. I think as educated individuals we can all agree that gross generalizations tend to polarize complicated situations. Greeks are victims to the negative stereotypes brought on by many in this university, from the dean down to students.

When I came to this university I was one among thousands. When I joined a sorority, suddenly I was humanized. I went from being one among many to being Jenny. I have seen many non-greek students stumble through their years here. I, too, have had my fair share of stumbles, but I had a safety net. I had sisters with prior knowledge and experience to guide me on what classes to take and why I chose the major I chose.

I had a plethora of advice to keep me on course and in school. My adviser would point to my SAPR but my sisters would listen and counsel. In my last semester of college, I can look back and know I have completely and totally enjoyed my college experience. A large percentage of the “”blame”” goes to the greek organization I joined.

I leave the UA having raised thousands of dollars and done countless hours of community service for my sorority’s philanthropies as well as in participation with other greek and non-greek organizations. I leave the UA seeing greeks flood the student government, becoming leaders in the community.

I leave the UA knowing I have a strong alumni association from my sorority to help guide me on the next scary chapter of my life. I leave the UA not student ID number S0000000, but a human being. I am graduating this May with my sisters and fellow students as Jenny McCullough.

Jenny McCullough psychology senior