Intolerance of intolerance is still intolerance

I am the first to say, as an Atheist, that I do not agree with anything stated by these “preachers of intolerance” that occasionally stir up controversy and debate in the Brickyard. However, in no way do I feel that their message deserves to be stifled to any higher degree than a message from any other student, individual, or organization. I think it is safe to conclude that most people at NC State, even many Christians, disagree with the claims and accusations made by these individuals that preach intolerance. However, disagreeing with someone is not grounds for limiting their right to say what they believe.

This country and the University institution were founded on the principles of converging discussion and debate on differences, for the improvement of understanding, and the pursuit of truth and knowledge. Without debate and discussion of those issues that seem almost common sense or even consideration of issues and beliefs that seem downright “evil,” progress in the pursuit of truth is hindered. The first amendment was created to destroy all limits in the public forum, with the understanding that some people will be hurt, angry, saddened, insulted, but possibly even happy, or enlightened by having heard them.

I don’t believe that any action should be taken against the “preachers of intolerance.” That is the principle of the first amendment, and what America was founded on. That is the principle of a “free society” you refer to, and to hinder even the most intolerant speech would be an unfortunate rejection of this principle, and would be a turn in the opposite direction towards tyranny.

Milan Choroomisophomore, physics

Religious censorship is unacceptable

I am writing in response to Dereck Goolsby-Bearsong’s comments in Friday’s Technician entitled ‘Intolerance is Unacceptable.’ While I understand you and others may feel offended by the brickyard preachers, for NCSU to engage in religious censorship is even more unacceptable.

I myself am Catholic and Christian, and even I disagree with many so-called ‘Christian’ preachers. But let me pose the following questions: What if a preacher promoted gay marriage, offending some Christian students? Should he be banned? What if someone sought to educate students about the Eight-Fold Path, and he was found ‘offensive’ by non-Buddhist students? What if NCSU censored a student encouraging others to find God through the Baptist faith because students found the idea disgusting and felt that no higher being should inhibit our unlimited freedom?

Because of our diverse student body, we will never all agree on religion. But censoring any particular religion at a public university is not only a scary and outrageous concept, but a direct violation of the First Amendment. The freedom we have to engage in open exchange of diverse ideas and public debate is one reason why the United States is such a great nation to live in. I find it ironic that you express intolerance while claiming to promote tolerance and free society. If religious censorship were enacted, we would no longer live (in your words) in the ‘free society’ on a ‘campus which prides itself in its tolerant spirit and student body.’ This must never be allowed to happen.

Kevin Smithfreshman, meteorology

Fix the Sullivan Elevators

I am a resident of Sullivan Hall, which has three elevators. More often than not, at least one of these elevators is out of order at any given time. Last week, one elevator was operating very erratically, stopping abruptly in mid-ascent. It just seems as though every time I turn around, one of the elevators is out.

From an engineering student’s view, this is an unacceptable rate of failure. Though Sullivan Hall is over 40 years old, the actual elevators are only about five years old. Yet they seem to always be malfunctioning. Either these elevators were poorly designed, the elevators are not being properly serviced or they are being abused by the Sullivan residents.

Housing, I encourage you to figure out what exactly is wrong with these elevators. Don’t just perform ‘quick fixes,’ take the time to correct these recurring problems. Dysfunctional elevators are an inconvenience and a safety issue to residents. Just because Sullivan is scheduled for demolition doesn’t mean that it should be neglected while it is still functional.

Sullivan residents, I encourage you to use these elevators with care. Don’t jump on the elevators or force doors open, that will just make problems worse. And stop putting footprints on the walls of the elevators, doing this is not funny, and just causes more work for the hardworking housekeeping staff. Show some respect for the elevators that have been given to us, otherwise, there may not be any.

Adam Philyawsophomore, engineering

Bobby Mills Fails the Students Again

When I think of what I expect of my Student Body President, I think of a person who is willing to stand up for student rights and liberties, even if it goes against the wishes of the administration. Bobby Mills, however, has done nothing but roll with whatever the current administration tells him to do, even though it hurts his fellow classmates. A prime example occurred this past Thursday when Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Tom Stafford attempted to make Campout, a long lasting tradition and personal favorite event of the year for thousands of students, a meaningless and obsolete experience, less than 24 hours before its commencement. As the Technician printed on Thursday, Mills had no objection to Stafford’s sudden decision, and even tried to claim he had other supporters, such as Senior Class President Zach Adams, which he didn’t. Therefore, Mills not only went against the student interest, but also lied and falsely put words in other people’s mouths. This is not an attack on Bobby Mills, but merely a challenge to him for the remainder of this term: to do his job the right way and make his decisions based on the rights, wants, and needs of the student body. With campaign season for the next student elections quickly approaching, we’ll see how well he does with the little time he has left.

Ben Mazursenior, religious studies

Student seating

Like any other N.C. State student, I am severely disappointed in our school’s ticketing system, especially after this weekend’s camp-out. When I checked my tickets for the Clemson game, disappointed became an understatement. All season I have had a group of five people for basketball games. Every game I have sat lower level, no complaints. I didn’t expect it to be any different this time. Except it was different, I got stuck in section 317 — better known as “the rafters”. I thought about why this could be and finally came up with an idea; are we welcoming back the 1983 Championship team by giving them a portion of our already microscopic student section?

I think it’s absurd that students are designated only 2300 of the 19,722 seats in the RBC Center. That means NC State Students, the individuals who actually pay money to go to this University and feel responsible for showing their loyalty to it, make up only 11.7 percent of the total audience on-hand.

Compare that to the Dean Smith Center at UNC-Chapel Hill where 6000 of the 21750 total seats are designated to students. That produces a student section of 27.5 percent of the total audience. In fact, compare that to the rest of the ACC, where we currently rank last or at least in the bottom three, as far as student seating percentages.

And we call ourselves a basketball school.

Jeffrey R. Gray senior, industrial engineering