Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the letters by Ashley Achoe, Ramaia Coleman, Whitney Abell and Professor Brian Robertson.
These authors exhibit naive and foolish viewpoints that ought to be corrected. To start with, Robertson on March 2 was “dismayed to see the picture in the paper of a student who was the subject of the article.” My God, how scandalous The Northerner has become. It actually has the audacity to print the picture of someone who is accused of a violent crime, committed on NKU’s campus. What were they thinking?
I hope my sarcasm is evident because I believe Robertson to be a fool who has no authority or understanding on the complex issue of journalistic integrity or honesty. His bias is evident by the concern he displays for the accused, and the fact that “his participation in classes and activities here at the university is potentially compromised.” Cry me a river, Mr. Robertson. A young girl was allegedly raped, possibly scarred for life and will likely undergo years of counseling to remedy this vicious injustice. Her “participation” in society, and the world, will forever be altered. Did that even cross your mind?
The other article, written by Ashley Achoe and Co. is drivel as well. Their claim, echoed daily, is that racism was responsible for the publishing of the Powell article. They conclude that racism was evident because this particular article was in “big, bold print, front page” for all to see. They claim that it should’ve only been reported in the police beat section. Well ladies, most people consider rape to be slightly more important than a traffic violation. And being women, I especially thought it would concern you.
To buttress their claim that racism is alive and well on campus, they claim that his “professors are trying to take education and a better future from him by not wanting him to be in class,” and in effect are telling “other African American students at NKU that they do not want us to succeed.” So ladies and gentlemen, here is, I suppose, their reasoning: Michael Powell was accused of rape. His professors don’t want him in class, not because he stands accused of a horrific crime, and they fear for his safety, and perhaps the safety of others. And not because it may distract others from pursuing their education. It’s because NKU is racist. Their logic is laughably moronic. Any time a black person commits a crime and stands accused, you can bet your bottom dollar that liberals will scream to high heaven that racism has once again reared its ugly head.
What facts and figures do they cite to prove racism exists? None, not one fact or instance of true racism graces their article. Instead, they rely on a poem by Tupac Shakur.
I am not claiming that NKU, or The Northerner is perfect. I’ve attended the University of Cincinnati, Ohio University and NKU and understand that every school has its faults. But to reduce honest journalism to racism is unfair.
Kevin Malay
Junior, international studies/pre-law
