The Daily Tar Heel from Chapel Hill, North Carolina • Page 8

8fhe Daily Tar HeelMonday, October 16, 1989 97th year of editorial freedom Sharon Kebschull, Editor WILLIAM TAGGART, Managing Editor MARY Jo DUNNINCTON, Editorial Page Editor JUSTIN McGuiRE, University Editor KAREN DUNN, State and National Editor TOM PARKS, Business Editor Dave Glenn, Sports Editor TAMMY BLACKARD, Editorial Page Editor JENNY CloniNGER, University Editor Jessica Lanning, City Editor CARA BONNETT, Arts and Features Editor Kelly Thompson, Omnibus Editor DAVID SurOWIECKI, Photography Editor MELANIE BLACK, Design tailor Julia Coon, News Editor Females in frats Little sisters not treated as equals girls give the house more appeal. Because the party is a casino night, the men think the bunnies simply enhance the atmosphere, making it more like Las Vegas. However, this is still degrading to the women who choose to take part. Of course, this one annual practice is not enough to condemn all little sister programs. But too many women at other fraternities tell stories of wanting to be little sisters and feeling pressured to participate in sexual acts to feel accepted by the frater TheNineLives of Noriega.

I Readers oram and the paper no longer maintains the quality and substance that it image to the organization, its members and its goals, if they The Kappa Delta Sorority national board chapter recently opinion passed a resolution discouraging members of the sorority from becoming little sisters to men's fraternities. This resolution was taken by many national chapters of Greek organizations to the joining and organizing of such auxiliary groups. Because the resolution stands against harassment and sexism, which can be a common element of little sister programs in many fraternities, UNC Greek organizations should either prohibit the formation of these groups or make the women an equal part of the fraternity. Many fraternities on campus have already stopped little sister programs. As many fraternity members would agree, little sisters are becoming a remnant of the past because of liability problems and concerns over promoting sexism.

A few of the fraternities that still organize little sister programs do so to have female companionship within the fraternity and to offer an alternative to sororities. The women are thought of as good friends and treated as equals within the house. But the horror stories of women submitting to sexual pressures from members of the fraternities leave such programs with a bad name. A prime example of sexism can be found at one UNC fraternity house, where little sisters dress up as bunnies and serve cocktails at a "casino night" rush function. According to members of this fraternity, the little sisters are asked to wear pink leotards and other bunny-like items and to serve drinks to the men.

This "dress-up" party has been a tradition of the house, the fraternity members say, and the attractive Stop giving CIAAC so much publicity To the editor: I see the DTH is continuing to keep its fingers on the pulse of UNC by keeping its readers fully informed of the latest "newsbreak-ing" events concerning everyone's favorite headliner, the CIAAC starring Dale McKinley. request debate with CIA," Oct. 10 and "CIAAC stages protest," Oct. 12). Why must I be constantly bombarded with front page presented in the past.

A final note all this smoke about whether the Student Congress has been doing its job and spending its time wisely should not have been tagged as part of the issue at hand. It was both sloppy and unprofessional. More time needs to be spent putting out a quality paper and less time mudslinging Student Congress. Get to some important straightforward news reporting, and you won't hear as much criticism of your publication. HEATHER E.

BANNISTER Sophomore Business nity members to not condemn the system. Certainly, the women who participate in such behavior 'deserve as much blame as the fraternities which host such programs. They do not seem to be forced into doing anything against their will, and they can abandon the programs at any time. Women who participate in such degrading activities only aggrevate sexism and further scar the name of "little But fraternities should not sponsor programs where the women can only participate in activities within a limited sphere. Unless women are given full fraternity rights, such as house and voting privileges, the fraternites should abolish little sister programs.

The women should no longer receive partial rights it should be all or nothing. This idea would probably be distasteful to Greeks, because fraternities and sororities are outlets for the sexes to socialize with their own sex going coed would destroy the purpose of these organizations. UNC Greek organizations should seek a way to stop the harassment and sexism often associated with little sister programs. Fun and games such as dressing up as bunnies should no longer be tolerated 'within the Greelc system. Check map before criticizing columnist Editors too critical, need to do better job To the editor: The controversy over Jeffrey Beall's proposal to hold a recall election for DTH editor is a lot of hot air.

Those who have recently addressed the subject in the DTH, including Matt Bivens, need to "get a grip." I regret that the issue has been undermined by the fact that it was presented by Beall. Why was it necessary that this issue be lumped in with the SRC, the abortion legislation issue or other Student Congress activities in its criticism? Let's pretend, shall we, that the proposal had been presented by a Student Congress member who hadn't already been criticized as a showboat and raked over the coals for past proposals. Perhaps the DTH editorial board, especially Kebschull, would take at least some notice of the fact that there are members of the student body (like it or not, it's not the sole opinion of Beall) who are dissatisfied with the paper under Kebschull's leadership. If the editors would take just one minute to examine their own job instead of devoting their time to slamming down Beall's presentations, they might recognize their flaws. Perhaps as Jurgen Buch-enau said, "It would have been better if we just made it a protest." Think about your "editorial freedom," Kebschull, but think about your readership, too.

Try to live up to your history as a news source for the student body, by presenting more reports of newsworthy information based on fact and less selected insignificant articles of opinion. I read the DTH daily, but this year I have found its contents less worthy of my time. (Don't fear readers, I did not say this because I have been taken over by the mind-controlling powers of Beall.) I felt this way before Beall's proposal, and I will continue to feel this way until the updates about every Dream mis organization takes? While I respect their right to their opinions, I seriously question their worthiness of the headlines the DTH continues to award them. It is hard to believe that even on University Day the DTH gave the CIAAC top billing! The controversial issues and tactics of the CIAAC, now in its third year, may still be a hot topic to members of the DTH, but it is all becoming quite stale from the reader's perspective. Is a simple letter requesting a debate or passing out fliers really the kind of news entitled to the day's headline along with interviews and a photo insert of a leading member? To the best of my recollection any article concerning the CIAAC since the fall of 1987 has appeared on the front page of the DTH.

Is this much coverage standard procedure for all campus organizations or needless hoopla for a DTH endorsement of the CIAAC? I am pleased with the diverse have not already. I understand the CIAAC 's desire to inform students of their views, but they should have to do it like other campus organizations. The CIAAC should not be able to achieve recognition from each incoming class through the free publicity the DTH constantly affords them with front page headlines, interviews and photographs. This is not the purpose of the DTH. ROBERT K.

BATES Graduate student Law High Kicking Heels promote UNC spirit To the editor: In response to Pamela Dilavore's outlandish observations stated in her letter about the High Kicking Heels titled "Women dance to men's tunes at UNC" (Oct. 12), I would have to say that the letter was not only prudish (as she herself states), but also uncalled for. The High Kicking Heels is a dance organization designed and devoted to promoting spirit within the student body and for the school itself. Their routine is not "putting on a little and The dancing is designed to get students excited about their school. I personally do not find myself getting excited watching 18 girls prancing around in ballet shoes and tu-tu's en pointe singing "Go Heels" in opera voices.

Nor do I see the reasoning behind her accusation that they "are wasting themselves on foolish repetitive gyrations that more appropriately belong in a strip show." I myself am not a High Kicking Heel but I do find the letter offensive and foolish. Take a look around television, magazines, advertisement, etc. Today is filled with exciting dances, funky music and dancing girls and, yes, even guys. I don't guess it would have been a problem had there been 18 sleek sexy guys "gyrating" in the Pit. LEIGH ANN NORTHCUTT Sophomore Advertising Action, not talk NCSU athletics have a long way to go To the editor: Now I understand why most Southern states consistently rank at the bottom of the list in regard to SAT scores.

In his letter entitled "Columnist's words were way off-base," (Oct. 4), C. Glenn Wallace stated "you are a resident of Maryland living in the South by choice-Show some respect or, to coin an old phrase "Yankee go home." Well Mr. Wallace, obviously where you come from, history and geography were not taught. The state of Maryland lies due south of the Mason-Dixon Line; and therefore, is considered a Southern state.

I guess Bivens, one of your fellow Southerners, isn't as proud of the South, or for that matter, South Carolina, as you. DONNA M. HAINES Junior International Studies In response to accusations of eight National Collegiate Athletic Association rules violations, N.C. State University officials have announced the creation of a new position and a program to inform athletes, boosters and local business owners about potential rules violations. Basketball coach Jim Valvano also has imposed restrictions on player recruiting from 1989-90.

These are positive first steps, but it will take more than press releases and official reports to salvage NCSU's image. The proposed changes in State's athletic university must ensure that this new administrator will not be just another rubber stamp for the basketball program and athletic boosters. This officer's duties should include regular reports to NCSU administrators and the board of trustees to ensure a reliable check on the activities of the university's athletic program The NCAA report also mentions other steps the university has taken to prevent future violations. This is in response to allegations that NCSU basketball players were selling their sneakers or trading the complimentary shoes BHHHOBn for cash and clothing, program are detailed in Letters policy coverage otherwise offered by the DTH. But certainly this paper is more capable of "serving the students and the University community" as its motto proclaims.

I urge the DTH not to take a passive approach by milking a two-year-old story. There is so much going on throughout this diverse campus and Chapel Hill that will appeal to the majority of readers. Go out and find the story. No one said your job was easy. Continue to report on the newsworthy aspects of the CIAAC and every other organization, but reserve your headlines for events most of your readers will feel deserve the position.

Consistent headlines for the CIAAC will only result in readers attributing a negative No policy is fail-safe, NCAA in September. i These charges accused aild 110 TUle Call De the university of rules violations involving effective without some athletic boosters and and Valvano has described this as a "failsafe" method of preventing violations. Another new policy will require weekly team meetings to discuss NCAA rules. But while these are excellent ideas on paper, no stern enforcement. player misconduct.

According to university The Daily Tar Heel welcomes reader comments and criticisms. When writing letters to the editor, please follow these guidelines: All letters must be dated and signed by the author(s), with a limit of two signatures per letter. All letters must be typed and double-spaced, for ease of editing. officials, the report is DTH improves, at least to its old standards. Kebschull may have "numerous years of journalism experience," as one reader cited, but that does not make her a good editor.

The changes in the DTH this year have been ineffective, Some criticism of congress not unfounded policy is fail-safe, and no rule can be effective without stem enforcement. NCSU officials are making an effort to investigate the NCAA accusations and it appears that some positive changes in the athletic program are being initiated. But administrators need to recognize that in the world of big-money college athletics, it takes more than a slap on the wrist to clean up the system. While some may argue that good guys finish last, NCSU officials are beginning to understand that the ends do not always justify the means. Charles Brittain based on interviews with players, coaches, boosters and business owners and the report's recommendations should eliminate the possibility of any future NCAA rule conflicts.

NCSU has announced a new position of director of compliance to ensure that the university abides by NCAA rules. But university officials have not explained how this new position will differ from the position it already has. in its assistant director of athletics for compliance. The new compliance officer will answer to the athletic director and the chancellor, but to prevent any future violations, the the last word Editor's note: Friedman is a Student Congress representative from district 12, and Johnson is a representative from district 11. To the editor: This letter is in direct response to Susan Davis Gellar's letter to the editor congress should work but in essence it is a response to first hand views of the Student Congress.

It is understandable how Miss Gellar can see the DTH and the Student Congress as being polarized, but we need to examine the issue more directly. The DTH has come down rather hard on the Student Congress, most severely in Matt Bivens' column which offered a solution close to nuking Student Congress. Perhaps many comments were a bit too extreme, but the intentions behind the articles were both sincere and necessary. Sometimes certain members of the Student Congress get wrapped up in the bureaucracy, and to them we offer the advice of Jurgen Buchenau: "We are all stu deal with congress, they are the perceptions of Mr. Beall himself, the student, not representing the views of the Student Congress.

The problem with the current, potentially negative, views on congress follow this premise. The actions of a few should not represent the actions of Student Congress as a whole. Just because Mr. Beall is a congress member does not mean that every action he takes is a result of his position. Not everything we do is centered around congress.

We do wish the DTH might be a bit more constructive rather than destructive with their columns regarding Student Congress in the future. But, we welcome them to check the Student Congress and report to the students, our constituency, for it is them whom we ultimately answer to. We would just like to emphasize that Student Congress is very worthwhile and that it does accomplish many important goals. Many of the members are, in fact, assets to the student government organizations, but there are a certain few who bring dissension and disruption to the Student Congress. We do not think that you should condemn the entire congress for the acts of a few.

MINDY FRIEDMAN Junior English education SHANE JOHNSON Sophomore Business some members of congress is the treatment of our guests. The Student Congress invites groups to attend the meetings to speak on behalf of their budgets. These guests have no idea about the decorum of the congress, nor do most of them know the proper procedures (any questions need to be directed through the speaker and can only be answered after he recognizes the member and there is no objection by the congress). These procedures allow congress members who are against the budget to make inflammatory comments without the fear of those whom they are insulting having the opportunity to respond. Maybe this is a naive assumption, but we would expect that any fair (yes, fair) conclusion can only be made after both sides receive equal time to defend themselves.

But perhaps the most symbolic example of Student Congress bureaucracy just graced the front page of the DTH. Bill Stallings, who is amongst one of the many able-bodied congress members, found himself trapped by contradictions. Title VI of the Student Code permits Mr. Stallings to be a member of both Student Congress and the honor court, but Title supersedes, and in this case nullifies, Title VI. So as a result, Student Congress is now without the services of Mr.

Stallings. This is a loss which will be deeply felt. But, Miss Gellar makes an error in her letter. She equates Jeffrey Beall with the Student Congress. While some of his reasons for having a recall of Sharon Kebschull's office Levinson.

Kind of anticlimactic, isn't it? Melanie Black, our design editor, chooses the quotes most days from a 1 00-page notebook of suggested quotes. The book is only a quarter full, but we like to think it 25 pages of the wittiest things ever said. Over the years, such great thinkers as Aristotle, St. Augustine, Woody Allen and Squiggy Squigmann have had their say on the DTH front page. Some of our personal favorites have been, "It's not impossible.

I used to bullseye wom-prats in my T-16 back home." Luke Sky-walker, "It's good to be the king." Mel Brooks; and "Of course you are." James Bond. Our favorite quotes that never ran are, "Son, you got a panty on your head." "Raising Arizona" guy in pickup truck; "Politics is the womb while war is the fetus therein." Wang Chang-ling; and "Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine." Patty Smith. One editor told a professor recently who wanted to be quoted that he had to "say something great." Readers who know of a great quote should turn them in to us feel free to be outrageous but no promises. Justin McGuire and Tom Parks "God is dead." Nietzsche These three words led to one of the bigger edit page controversies in recent memory one that made this year's Playboy affair (pardon the expression) look tame by comparison. On Sept.

4, 1985, The Daily Tar Heel, under editors Dave Schmidt and Ame Rickert, ran the now-infamous bottom quote that caused angry campus conservatives to try to defund the DTH. They failed. The controversy like most soon died down. We're still partially funded by student fees (for now), and we still run bottom quotes. The "God is dead" incident is the most memorable but by no means only notable DTH bottom quote to grace the front page in the five-year history of bottom quotedom.

The first bottom quote ran on March 19, 1984, under editor Jeff Hiday. No one knows "what prompted Hiday to start this tradition, but DTH legend has it that the front page was a half-inch short the night before Hiday's first paper, "arid in desperation he grabbed a copy of Bartletts Familiar Quotations. The rest, as they say, is history. 'For the record, the first quote was "History is the short trudge from Adam to atom." L.L. dents, so we should chill out.

This is not the U.S. Congress." Yes, a ruled atmosphere is necessary to accomplish anything, but it can also hamper any possible positive achievements of the congress. Perhaps the fact that we finish our meetings anytime between midnight and 2 a.m. best exemplifies this. Some of us cannot think as clearly as others at 2 a.m., and even further, some of us find it difficult to stay out so late, because, believe it or not, some of us also have the tedious obligations of classes.

One of the most reprehensible behaviors of.