The Daily Tar Heel from Chapel Hill, North Carolina • Page 6

6 The Daily Tar Heel Monday, April 21. 1980 Awareness precautions needed to curb rape Wfot By ANN PETERS lath' George Shadroui, Editor Dinita James, Managing Editor Brad Kutrow, Associate Editor Thomas Jessiman, Associate Editor Martha Waggoner, News Editor Pam Kelley, University Editor Anne-Marie Downey, City Editor Jim Hummel, State and National Editor Bill Fields, Sports Editor Mark Murrell, Features Editor Laura Elliott, Arts Editor Andy James, Photography Editor Melanie Sill, Weekender Editor Slar fml 88th year of editorial freedom traveled intersection. Last Saturday at 9 p.m. a female student was walking back to her dorm on South Campus. Instead of walking along Stadium Drive, she went through a small path between the street and the construction site of the new Women's Gymnasium.

An assailant overpowered her while people were walking nearby. Helpless, she was dragged to the Bell Tower area and raped. Rape is not a sexual act but an act of violence. Any woman is a potential victim, and no woman can ignore the fact of her susceptibility. Rape is not discriminatory.

Most women imagine a potential assailant to be a fiend, yet many rapists know their victims. Some even fit the stereotype of an "all-American boy." Perhaps that is what so terrifies women. Men and women both believe that the victim brings on an attack by dressing or acting in a provacative manner. A woman is attacked most often simply because she is a woman, and at the moment is an object for the assailant's aggressions. The old story goes that a raped woman is in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The unfortunate fact is that the "wrong place" may be in her home or a dimly lit parking area. Added protection may be called for after rapes are reported: better lighting in areas where students walk and increased security patrols. More importantly, myths concerning rape need to be replaced by truths. Ongoing awareness programs are necessary for both women and men. College is a carefree time.

But we cannot enjoy life if we are constantly looking over our shoulder. Society is constantly changing and advancing. This advancement must be expanded to include an effort to inform both men and women on what to do if they are the victim of or witness of a rape. Lack of involvement may seem to mean security, but apathy does not decrease the number of assaults. If there are no articles in the paper for two months or even two weeks, the thought of rape swiftly begins to fade from campus consciousness.

And then, another article appears about a so-called "isolated incident." The cycle never seems tb stop. Women cannot stay up nights wondering if they will become victims. Yet they must keep in mind the nights when there have been victims, and take precautions to prevent assaults. Simply continue to be aware of the dangers and do not be afraid to" call the escort service offered by Student Government. Choose your path well, and walk with a friend or two.

Ann Peters, a journalism and political science major from Miami, Fla. is a staff writer forlhe Daily Tar Heel. Rape is any violent seizure or hostile action against a weaker opponent; so it is written in the World Book Encyclopedia. Some may dismiss the recent increase in newspaper articles on the subject as sheer sensationalism, intended to titillate readers. However, it is no longer possible to disregard the facts.

Camp Carolina cannot be considered isolated from the real world. The evil as well as ideal characteristics of our society exitst in Chapel Hill. When a woman or child is carried off by force and sexually assaulted, it sure to be front page news, especially in a college town. The reader regards it as an incident far from his or her own home. Yet any person can become a victim or witness of an act of violence.

Cliches abound when it comes to discussion of the degrading, horrible act of rape: "it could be your mother or your girlfriend, even your grandmother." Any woman can be victimized regardless of social position, age or physical appearance. To make fear an integral part of a woman's existence is not what is needed. Women simply must become aware of their vulnerability. Two weeks ago at 3:45 p.m., a female jogger was raped in the Forest Theater, which is located near a heavily letters to the editor More than a token New apartments, not dormitories, needed Affirmative action has come to mean many things to many people during the past decade. There are few words that generate more controversy in our society than "affirmative action," particularly in the view of those people who maintain that such a policy gives some groups preferential treatment based not on ability but on race or sex.

In fact, affirmative action is a policy meant to eliminate job and educational discrimination, the brunt of which has fallen on blacks and women. These two groups along with other minorities have long suffered from the ignorance of narrow-minded men (and women) who for some reason consider as inferior any group other than white males. The struggle to dispel such myths has been a long and bitter one. But on Friday, Chancellor Christopher C. Fordham 111 took a great step toward alleviating this kind of injustice when he announced at the Faculty Council meeting that he would appoint a full-time affirmative action officer.

Even though the actual duties of the officer have not been established firmly, there do exist problems that must be addressed immediately, such as the relative absence of black and women faculty, here at Carolina. Therefore, when Fordham appoints a search committee to recommend an appointment it should include men, women and blacks. Still, some potential problems exist. Fordham's statement that his officer would not have the power to mandate hiring practices points to a concern among some departments fearing a loss of autonomy. The role of the officer must be explicitly, defined if future conflicts are to be averted.

And this claim to independence should be respected as much as possible, the affirmative action officer must be more than a token position that simply complies with University and departmental policies and decisions. The purpose of an officer is to ensure that the University is equitable in its employment decisions. This can be accomplished by raising the awareness, and if necessary the ire, of any administrators or professors who take employment action that is questionable or wrong, and thus detrimental to the concept of higher learning. Muted praise To the editor: Since the announcement by University officials that plans to develop the Couch property will be conducted by the University instead of a private developer, there have been several letters in The Daily Tar Heel as well as at least one editorial questioning the move. In the face of such criticism by those who believe that these plans are an underhanded or at least an unrealistic move by University officials, 1 feel the need to address a few points that have been made and to thereby cast a more favorable light on the official efforts to reduce the housing crunch confronting UNC students.

Many reasons lie behind the decision to construct apartments instead of dormitory facilities. The decision is based, in part, on a study of housing done in 1978 in which students were surveyed on their attitudes toward living situations. At that time, only 13.4 percent of students living off campus preferred to live on campus. The report went on to summarize that "the demand among students is not so much for traditional student housing per se as for housing which is convenient, inexpensive and provides opportunities for social interactions." Other reasons that an apartment complex has received attention at th expense of a dormitory are based on enrollment expectations and vacancy rates in dormitories now. All enrollment plans are based on projections that are the product of evaluations of such things as the number of births 18 years ago.

In the next five years, there conceivably could be a decrease in freshman enrollment. To financially justify building a dormitory, it would have to be proven that the dorm could pay for itself through full occupancy. However, if projections are correct and enrollment decreases, spaces in dorms will be vacant and thus the expense of building cannot be rationalized. When and if enrollment does drop off, and therefore vacancies occur in the University-owned apartments, spots could be filled with faculty, research people, students here for national test reviews, etc. These groups of people would not so readily fill the vacancies in a dormitory.

Thus the possibility of an apartment paying for itself is greater than is that of a dorm, and the final cost would be less to all involved. The point is that the University is acting now, and their efforts must be applauded. Instead of viewing every action of administrators with a jaundiced eye, it would be best for students and others to recognize that if the University were, in fact, trying to do something that might hurt students, it would, in the long run, be hurting itself as well. I do not mean to suggest that students acquiesce in all matters, but I do mean to suggest that they need to evaluate administrative moves with fairness, not prejudice. Joni Walser Housing Coordinator for Student Government No More Scares To the editor: As a graduate student and teacher On Saturday morning, it seemed that little could spoil the success of Chapel Thrill.

The weather, which had dampened HRC Springfest a week earlier, could not have been better; the crowd that spilled into Kenan Stadium in the early afternoon was generally orderly; and Bonnie Raitt, the Atlanta Rhythm Section and The Beach Boys received enthusiastic receptions. The sunny character of the day was tragically reversed as a concertgoer fell from the ramp leading to the stadium's upper deck and was severely injured. That accident will overshadow a production that was in most respects well-executed. The Chapel Thrill committee had planned the concert thoroughly. Security details, which included University and Chapel Hill policeman and hordes of students, was more than adequate.

The brawling and gatecrashing that mark most outdoor concerts were kept to a minimum. The transition between bands went smoothly and efficiently. Daylight scheduling and experience gained from last year's Kenan Stadium Springfest made the concert safer and more enjoyable than its predecessor. Fewer were on hand to enjoy Chapel Thrill '80, however; the concert seemed to attract only a handful of out-of-towners. The failure to sell out Kenan can be attributed to poor publicity as well as the questionable drawing power of the now-balding Beach Boys.

Whatever the reason, the concert may wind up losing a little of the Student Government surplus that funds it from year to year. Local fast food concessions charged outrageous prices for their pizza, hoagies and the like; worse, they were given better vending locations than UNC groups like the Crew Club, the Black Student Movement and the Campus Y. Profit margins aside, University-affiliated concessions ought to be given first consideration. Despite the aceident that mutes our congratulations Chapel Thrill was another successful undertaking for Student Government, and prospects for an improved concert next April have not been dimmed. whose daily routine has been disrupted all too often, 1 feel compelled at last to voice my frustration and anger over the inumerable, almost daily, bomb threats at Dey Hall and other buildings.

I have reached my breaking point. I am not alone; many share my rage. This letter is being composed and typed in the middle of an evacuation the second in three days. This week, however, the mad would-be bombers have shown themselves to be particularly irritating. This week several unfortunate graduate students in Dey Hall are taking comprehensive written examinations.

Perhaps those inconsiderate undergraduate individuals who engage in such self-centered inanities are ignorant of the importance of these exams and of the months of preparation the candidates must undergo. Fortunately, I wrote my exams in November and managed to avoid being "evacuated" at such a crucial juncture in my career. I shudder to think about the nature of 'my reaction had 1 been subjected to such cruel and unusual punishment. University Police undoubtedly feels it is handling the situation in an appropriate manner and to the best of its ability. The problem, however, has extended itself beyond the capabilities of the police.

The time has come for the upper echelons to address the situation. To maintain the current system of after-the-fact, nugatory procedures is only a further invitation to such individuals to make a travesty of our educational institutions. Is it totally unfeasible to insist upon a system of alternative accommodations for those unfortunate enough to be booted out of their classrooms and offices on a daily basis? 1 demand an alternative location for each scheduled exam such a location should not be revealed until the evacuation is actually taking place. Students who then are absent from the exams would become, prime suspect material. Would not a method such as this, or a variation thereof, actually assist University Police in tracking down the culprits? In any event my sentiments on this subject go beyond merely being a complaint; they have become a plea of desperation.

Mari H. O'Brien Graduate Student in French Facing the Music To the editor: Amidst all the controversy concerned with fair Yackety Yack coverage, 1 feel compelled to complain about one more servercly neglected aspect of this campus: the offerings of UNC's Music Department. Responsible for this neglect is not only the Yack but The Daily Tar Heel. UNC music concerts may not be quite as popular as football, basketball, or lacrosse games, but if students were aware of the diversity and richness found behind Hill Hall's doors, attendance at concerts would be better and students could get excited about coming events. I know "diversity and richness" sound like words used in a college catalogue.

Unfortunately, the UNC college catalogue is probably the only reading material a student can obtain to find out about what's going on in Hill Hall. Most student's don't even rcalie that all concerts are free. Furthermore, the Yack is supposed to contain students' memories of the past year. Well, I know there are a lot of students who are involved in musical activities who must feel a little hurt when they read a Yack whose pages arc overindulged in jock memorabilia and one skimpy page for UNCs music activities. I understand the difficulty in trying to make everybody happy and trying to be fair.

I also acknowledge the DTlt and Yack as being basically fair to cultural events in the area. However, concerts of professional touring groups are not the only events where people can hear quality music. I think the DTH and the Yack have been inadequate in covering UNCs music concerts. I ask as a non-music major and a graduating senior that this neglect be changed in the future. Richard Rosenweig 719-A Mcrritt Mill Rd.

Springfest, thanks To the editor: We would like to thank the students of UNC for the rousing support which they gave us during our concert in the new Tin Can. Since the closing of the Mad Hatter, there has been no place for us to play in Chapel Hill except at University functions. Many thanks to Susan Strayhorn and the Henderson Residence College Director Ron Wilson both for giving us the opportunity to play and for helping us make the transition in the rain to the Tin Can. Incidentally, we found the accoustics surprisingly good in the Tin Can because of the insulation between the beams. We recommend that the site be used for more concerts.

Go Tar Heels! 1 he Bricc Street Band New Food Service To the editor: AR A Services. Inc. was chosen Friday as the University's new food service ending one phase in an effort by Student Government, the administration, and members of the ood Service Advisory Committee to upgrade the campus food service. ARA was carefully selected based on their recommendation! for improvements in decor, management, marketing, and food quality, which are all important for providing the best service for the students and faculty. Starting over with a new company allows the University to insist on quality from the beginning, which we believe hat been done in the selection of ARA.

Student Government and related committees will be working in cooperation with ARA to assure high standards for the new food service. We are happy to see this progress and a look forward to a new era of food service. Beth Gregg Don Beeson Mike Vandenhcrgh Student Government ood Service Committee Coach Skakle xy-i ill VSP? (if When Carolina men's tennis coach Don Skakle died Friday, the University and the Atlantic Coast Conference lost a man whose name symbolized collegiate tennis, both locally and across the South. A former Tar Heel player and 1950 University graduate, Skakle's record during 22 years of coaching Carolina was not much short of phenomenal: 416 wins against only 51 losses, or nearly nine wins for every 10 matches. Until the last couple of years, the Tar Heels all but owned the ACC tennis championship; Skakle's teams won 16 league titles, and N.C.

State coach J.W. Isenhour, perhaps Skakle's biggest coaching rival, credited him with uplifting the caliber of ACC tennis. Said Isenhour: "He's probably the reason the rest of us got better. We got tired of getting beat 9-0." But, separate from his victories, was the way he handled his players and the program. Under his tutelage, mediocre players often bacame good ones, and those who already were good sometimes became great.

Important, too, was Skakle's loyalty to his sport; when a men's tennis match did not receive adequate coverage or when a score didn't make the pages of Vie Daily Tar Heel, he called to find out why. Sometimes, he didn't like the explanation, but to him, tennis was the important sport. He was looking out for his team. Fittingly, the ACC coaches have voted to establish a Don Skakle Memorial Award to go to the outstanding player in the conference tournament. It was an appropriate gesture, but Carolina men's tennis just won't be the same without him.

The two were inseparable. Columns? lit Ikjily Jar lUel ekorne contribution! of columns for the editorial page. Such contributions should t)pcd. double-spaced, on a f-spucc line. Writers should include tlrir major and hometown.

All columns are subject to editing. UKE TO GM- A FEW.