Letters to the Editor The University Heights Problem: At Least We’re Trying By Charlotte Zoda
Editor’s Note: This is a response to Brian Prince’s opinion piece on the University Heights issues published in Issue 6. Let me just preface that I am a graduate student, an alumnae of a Greek organization here at UB, and with many friends living on South Campus, Greek and nonGreek. With that being said, I am offended by Prince’s piece, mainly because of the lack of research and knowledge surrounding the Height’s issue and the motion to organize a Greek row. Also, I attended that meeting even though I’ve never lived in the
University Heights. Maybe this thought didn’t cross your mind but did you ever think that not everyone can afford on campus housing? Not everyone can spare $930 for an apartment, like I was lucky to be able to last year. Did it ever occur to you that many students at UB are working hard to complete a degree without the help of mommy and/or daddy, in which $250 for rent in a rundown house on Lisbon, within walking distance to the bus stop, sounds much more financially appealing? I am aware that “you get what you pay for” but sometimes you don’t always get the choice to live in cushy Amherst. While initially the meeting was to facilitate University support for Greek housing, you failed to mention that the Spectrum also reported that safety is not only a concern for Greek members but for other students living in the area and permanent
residents. Or do you think the two UB students who were assaulted Halloween night walking on Highgate aren’t worthy of additional safety? I’m not disagreeing that issues can arise due to house parties that happen basically every weekend but not every house party is Greek and that’s not always how “frats roll”. How about you talk to the Minnesota Block Club because they speak highly of Sigma Pi and Phi Kappa Psi for all the help and services they volunteer to the Club’s neighborhood projects. Yes, increase security is going to cost money but I didn’t think that feeling safe and protected had a price. While it can be a choice to live on South Campus, no one chooses to be assaulted, robbed, mugged, shot, stabbed, or vandalized. An increase in police support and cooperation can help curb violent crimes in the area, to every-
one’s benefit. Yes, it may cause “yet another tuition increase on all university students, and not the few who receive the additional benefit.” If that’s your argument, then I want my student activity fee back because I was unable to attend every Distinguished Speaker event, Fall/Spring Fest, or ride the bus because I now commute to campus. Why should I agree to pay this fee since I can’t utilize the services provided? Oh wait, because it would benefit all students rather than just me. Next time, do your research before you decide to voice your opinion. Spell check helps too. At least we offered potential solutions, where are yours? Better yet, let’s meet up and discuss for I also live in Tonawanda. What up, neighbor?
Think of them as a warning perhaps?
2011
Predictions Around Campus “More unexpected celebrity deaths”
“All the ice is going to melt into the water and the whole world will be flooded”
“New and improved iPads, iPods and Mac Books” “The Bills will win the Superbowl!” “An iPhone on Verizon” “Angelina Jolie will adopt three more babies from Africa” “Sarah Palin will win an Emmy for her show” “All cell phones will become smartphones” “Conspiracies in Washington DC” “Roger Federer will be crowned the King of Tennis” “Nicki Minaj and Lil Kim rap-off” “A successful trip to Mars”
“A sequel to Anchorman!”“Snow until May” “Jake Gyllenhaal will finally come out” “Every movie will be 3D” “More undergrads at UB” “UFO pants will come back in style” “Endless budget cuts” “Another disappointing Spring Fest” “The United States will lose a lot of political power” “An NSYNC reunion” “People will start to prepare for 2012” “Generation will be in glossy color”
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