Animals deserve rights, too
In Zakk White’s confused anti-vegan diatribe, he makes a number of false and misleading claims.
First, SPARC’s supposed upcoming anti-“veal” protest already happened – last year. White simply failed to recognize the event listing as old information. The focus of the group is and always has been education through leafleting, tabling and showing films.
Second, White is simply wrong to claim that there is no logic in the animal rights position. Just as it is arbitrary and irrational to discriminate on the category of sex or race, it is similarly illogical to subjugate and oppress based upon the category of species. To give equal consideration and respect to all human animals (regardless of sentience) but deny this to all other animals (most of whom are clearly sentient) is speciesism. If a being is sentient, they should be regarded as members of the moral community.
Third, no one argues that we should release “domesticated” nonhuman animals into “the wild.” We simply should stop force-breeding them into existence to be exploited for food and other purposes. We should care for those currently living for the remainder of their natural lives.
Finally, you don’t need to accept a theory of moral equality to recognize that unnecessary suffering and killing is wrong. Considering that we can be healthy eating only plant foods, to continue to breed, confine and kill other sentient beings for food is absolutely unjust.
I encourage everyone to learn more about animal rights at http://www.cultureandanimals.org/pop1.html and veganism at http://www.WhyVegan.com/
Brandon Becker
2008 Alumnus
Staff responded well to sprinkler damage
In response to Tuesday’s story, “Dorm cleanup leads to more damages,” interviewed students made statements that did not present an accurate account of the emergency response taken by University Housing. We would like to take this opportunity to clarify the steps taken by our staff during this incident and to address additional misunderstandings represented in previous articles.
After a sprinkler head activated in one of Sullivan’s 10th floor residential rooms last weekend, University Housing staff immediately evacuated residents to safe zones in order to allow emergency response staff to enter, investigate and address the areas impacted. Campus Police, Raleigh Fire Department, University Housekeeping, Facilities and the Campus Fire Marshal reported to the scene and began the challenging work of assessing damages and informing Housing staff on specific information and updates as events unfolded.
The water flow affected three suites on floors 2-10, as well as the first floor lounge, computer lab, classroom and Sullivan 24-hour service desk. Organized efforts led by Assistant Director Hassel Morrison and his Sullivan Hall Housing staff were instrumental in preventing much larger scale damages given that an average of 25 to 30 gallons of water dispersed per minute during the deactivation. As many personal items as possible were removed from the floor so that Housekeeping could wet vac and mop the impacted rooms. West Campus facilities staff and RAs led by Herschal Autry swiftly moved large dehumidifiers and fans to impacted areas to help circulate air flow and expedite the drying process. During this process, time creates the most immediate challenge as care of items and recovery of water-filled floors must be handled quickly to prevent further damages and leaking. Emergency personnel worked fast to clear areas in rooms that were covered extensively with personal belongings. Every effort was made to protect personal items No rooms were “filled up to the ceiling with water‚” as the article stated. In addition, signs were placed on suite and room doors by Housing staff with details about the incident, contrary to the assertion in previous articles that claimed residents were not made aware of the situation.
Once the situation was under control, residents were notified about why the building was evacuated and about the general status of their rooms. Sullivan Administrative Associate Betsy Kaplan returned to campus to provide assistance locating spaces where students could temporarily be moved. Throughout the night, RAs checked in on residents impacted by the incident and to see how they could assist further.
It is important to understand the complexity of responding to a situation such as this. The University Housing staff’s primary and most immediate response must be to get students to safety and allow the appropriate officials to investigate the situation. As the sprinkler head that activated was located on the 10th floor, water permeated through the floors below causing a lengthened time period for completing a full investigation of all areas impacted. Housing is in the process of determining what needs specific areas have, even as the majority of residents have been able to return to their assigned rooms. We are appreciative for the patience of our residents and look forward to continuing our service to the Sullivan community.
J. Kala Bullett
University Housing associate Director for West Campus
