Letter to the [sports] editor

This reader is writing in response to Alex Mellion’s article, “Opinion: R.I.P. NBA Slam Dunk contest” (Feb. 17). It has been edited for style and content.

You are obviously entitled to your opinion and are free to write whatever you want, but I feel like I should respond to some of the things you were saying. First of all, the dunk contest most definitely isn’t dead. This year’s definitely lacked the variety and creativity of years past but definitely isn’t a sign that it will never be able to recover… I really think you took a lot away from Shannon Brown and DeMar DeRozan. Both of them are outstanding players and Shannon Brown is just a freak athlete to say the least, so while people may not have heard of them, they are incredible.

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Letter to the Editor Nov. 18

To the Editor:

I was appalled to learn that one of our students recently received an anonymous hate letter. Be assured, there is no place for hate at Suffolk University, and anyone apprehended in connection with this sorry incident will be dealt with severely.

Suffolk University has a rich history of respecting all people without regard to race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. We will not allow expressions of discrimination among or against our students. Such acts undermine not only the security of our students, but also the positive learning and living environment we have cultivated on our campus.

The University does not censor free exchange of ideas, but this is another matter entirely. Language or actions that constitute acts of hate are intolerable and can be criminal. Our community is made up of a culturally diverse group of people, and all of us belong and should feel comfortable here. In your dealings with one another, please remember that respect is at the heart of who we are as a university.  Suffolk was built on that principal, and we firmly believe that our diversity makes us stronger.

An article on discrimination in the Nov. 11 Suffolk Journal put it well: “People who are not accepting of diverse groups are, in fact, the true minorities at Suffolk …”

Let me add to that message by saying that the intolerant are the one minority that will not be tolerated here.

Sincerely
David J. Sargent
President

Staff Editorial Nov. 4, 2009 / Response

We, as a student newspaper, strive to inform the Suffolk community – all of the Suffolk community – about the goings on in all areas of interest, including those in the arts on campus and in Boston. This city is a vibrant one, full of culture and art of all different levels and kinds. As Suffolk is a diverse community, full of differing opinions, likes, and dislikes, it is only fair that the newspaper reflect that diversity.

The band in question strives to offend its audience and the author of the article stated as much. In the spirit of that band, the headline and graphics were chosen to reflect the content of the article and its subject, however the Journal regrets the use of the words “Anal Cunt” as the only words in the headline. That was an ill-advised decision and this newspaper will likely never use such a headline again, as we are drafting an obscene language policy. … Continue Reading

Letter to the Editor Nov. 4, 2009

The October 29 edition of the Suffolk Journal contained one of the most offensive articles that I have ever seen written in any school newspaper. It was an article that made me sit there and think to myself, “What is the point of this?” The article entitled “Anal Cunt” was a highly offensive article about a band full of 40-year-olds that create highly offensive material and sing about it on stage.  In talking with some staff members who were initially unaware of the article, we had discussed what the purpose of the article was, and why the Suffolk community needed to be aware of this band? I would ask the Suffolk Journal the same question: in what way did the article provide necessary … Continue Reading