Search Results for: letter to the editor
Letter to the Editor: Abbott, Porter are game changers
Both men entered this world in 1948, and graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1974. Each began his law practice in Yankton. And, over many decades, both changed South Dakota’s landscape in two high profile and important fields: education and health care. This summer, both are retiring, and though it […]
Letter to the Editor: History and awareness months
What are “History Months” or “Awareness Months” and why do we have them? History and Awareness Months celebrate the accounts and achievements of marginalized individuals often excluded or overshadowed in traditional history books. They serve as reminders for everyone to learn more about the rich heritage and culture of those different from ourselves. At USD, […]
Letter to the Editor: Invitation for campus engagement, privilege
The President’s Council on Diversity and Inclusiveness has selected “privilege” as the theme for the spring semester and invites everyone on campus to plan events around that concept. “Privilege” can be defined as “a special advantage or benefit not enjoyed by all.” This sort of right, advantage or immunity often is not sought out – […]
Letter to the Editor: Sexual harassers and predators should be fired, expelled
I have mixed emotions concerning Abbott’s retirement. On one hand he can be credited for advancing the USD brand in many areas. One area stands, however, as a glaring exception. That is the area of sexual harassment/assault on campus. For example, there is a current USD faculty member that was investigated for sexual harassment in […]
Letter to the Editor: Calling roll may not be harmless
Dear faculty, Suppose you are a USD student whose identity as a person is challenged every time someone calls you by your legal name in front of others. In addition to being a source of embarrassment and cause of serious concern, being called by your legal name can also threaten your safety. Now, imagine this […]
Letter to the Editor: I stand with sexual assault victims
To USD victims of sexual assault — I just want to say #metoo. I survived a sexual assault on our campus before USD went D1 and let me tell you, I didn’t report because I didn’t think anyone would protect me over a student-athlete. Just because a victim doesn’t report or is protected by privacy […]
Letter to the editor: USD is working to address gender-based violence
My name is Marisa Cummings and I am the University of South Dakota project coordinator for the Violence Against Women Campus Project grant through the Department of Justice. My office is located in the University Counseling Center or Cook House. I am excited to join the University of South Dakota family and work towards reducing […]
Letter to the editor: USD’s move to gender inclusive facilities
Many of you will notice that signage of some bathrooms around campus has changed. Wherever possible, USD is moving toward a policy of having “gender inclusive facilities” — or GIFs — on campus. These are private, single-stall restrooms that may be used by any person regardless of family status, parental status, gender identity or gender […]
Letter to the editor: Students, university should commit to being inclusive
Last month the university released (via Facebook/social media) a Valentine’s Day video. Although most of these Valentine’s Day messages from students were harmless shoutouts to parents, friends and partners, there were clips that treated same-gender relationships as a joke and seemingly mocked these partnerships. The university received numerous complaints and removed the video. Then, on […]
Letter to the editor: Why would USD want to be a sanctuary campus?
I recently read an article featured in The Volante. A senator of USD’s Student Government Association, Josh Arens, sponsored a bill that would make the University of South Dakota a “Sanctuary Campus.” He is also quoted as saying, “No alternative facts, don’t listen to those that say it does call for illegal action.” An “undocumented” immigrant […]