|
Volume CXXXII, Number 14 |
 |
Layoffs are not so easy to avoid
To the Editors,
Despite the fact that I write a weekly column for the Orient, I have never written a letter to the editors. If I were to write a letter, as I am now, I would have at least some knowledge about the topic upon which I chose write. This is in severe contrast to the two gentlemen who wrote letters last week regarding the schools decision to lay off people. These gentlemen's opinions on the matter are certainly not upsetting, but their ridiculous claims and suggestions are.
First of all, both students suggested that we take money out of the endowment to cover the budget shortfall. Although this may sound like an easy solution, it is not. Funds cannot simply be taken from the endowment. Most donations made to the school that compose the endowment are restricted. The money that paid for the lights in Thorne Hall actually came from a restricted donation for the artistic enhancement of Thorne and Chamberlain halls. This means that most of the money in the endowment cannot be taken out to help pay for employees' jobs. Furthermore, when taking money out of the endowment, the College must consider its future and therefore the endowments' ability to make money. Taking money out of it will hurt its ability to make money in the future, as well as the stability of the College.
Secondly, the suggestion that we cancel various building projects around campus is ridiculous. The money used to construct buildings comes from money raised specifically for the building. These funds just cannot be simply transferred to the different needs of the College.
Thirdly, the money spent on spring break trips for sports teams actually comes from the students on the teams themselves. Students of various teams run fundraisers throughout the year to help pay for their trips and other expenses.
Fourth, these layoffs will have and effect on the surrounding community. These layoffs, however, are outweighed by the good that Bowdoin does for the surrounding community. The strength that Bowdoin brings to this community is not primarily due to employment, but the money the school and students spend in the community and the community service that students perform in the surrounding community.
Finally, the thought to let the Chapel fall apart is truly appalling and insulting. The Chapel is one of the cornerstones of our campus, it is truly part of the feeling of the College. To say that Chapel is unused is just wrong. The Chapel hosts weekly mass services and a few concerts per year. Furthermore, the Chapel was, and will be, the site of many marriages of Bowdoin students. The Chapel is one of the oldest buildings on campus and not attending to it would be an injustice to the College.
Sincerely,
Tim Riemer '03
V-Day: a world without violence
To the Bowdoin community:
This coming Valentine's Day, the V-Day organization would like to encourage members of the Bowdoin community to spread their love to women around the world who have been victims of violence. V-Day stands not only for Valentine, but also for Vagina, anti-Violence, and most importantly, Victory.
This year, V-Day events revolve around the theme of "envisioning a world without violence." Objectives are to raise awareness at Bowdoin surrounding the issue of violence against women and to raise funds for Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine (SASSMM) and Family Crisis Center, a Portland shelter for battered women.
We, the members of V-Day, invite students, faculty, and staff to participate in the myriad of activities taking place during V-Week, February 10-14, 2003. Please help us meet our $6,000 goal through donations or purchases.
Our table in Smith Union will provide information about our cause and accept donations. V-Day tee-shirts ($5) and underwear ($8 for women's underwear, $8.50 for boxers) will also be on sale. Tickets for the Vagina Monologues ($7 for students, faculty and staff, $10 for the public), which will take place February 20-22 in Kresge Auditorium, will be on sale at the Smith Union Info Desk. During V-Week, we will also be holding a raffle for donated goods from local businesses.
The V-Day Coffeehouse and Art Show will celebrate student artists whose work reflects women's issues. Actors, singers, writers, and dancers who wish to perform at the February 13 Coffeehouse in Morrell Lounge may sign up at the Smith Union Info Desk. We also invite you to attend the Art Show opening in Lamarche Lounge on the evening of February 14. Yummy baked goods and drinks will be offered at both of these events, and donations will be accepted.
To obtain statistics regarding sexual assault at Bowdoin, V-Day will be distributing surveys to your mailboxes. We encourage you to fill them out, fold them in half, and put them in campus mail, where they will be directed to the Women's Resource Center. We will inform the community of our findings as soon as we compile the results.
Please help us achieve our goal of increased awareness and funds for SASSMM
and Family Crisis Center. With your help, we can realize our vision of
a world without violence.
Sincerely,
V-Day
|
FastCounter by bCentral |