To the Editor:
The connection between your article written by Mr. Pignataro and why I have directed my response at Father Kelley and Mr. Doris is as such; at the conclusion of the article the author asks whether or not students will show up at the next home men’s basketball game? My response is as follows; Are students the only ones to blame for the apparent apathy on campus? My answer is that students are not solely to blame, but the people that preside in the upper echelon of this campus perpetually show a lack of respect, or even disdain towards students who are obviously the heart of the university itself.
We students are not lazier or more apathetic than any other students at other colleges across the country. As such, when there is very little given back to us, or when there are constant disparaging actions aimed at us, we grow indifferent. When we arrive at a basketball game at halftime and are absurdly turned away, one has to to ask why? When we try to form a student section, like Duke, but are bullied by ushers, maybe it is just more appealing to not give the effort.
Students begin to ask why when they sit the farthest from their own team and in the worst section in the arena. Why even show up? When our own athletic director cares for nothing more than basketball, as many other students athletes will attest, we just might show the same disrespectful attitude in return towards him. Some have to not only drive at least fifteen minutes to a basketball game, but also pay for parking only to be treated poorly upon arrival.
When we, as students are turned away from a class we need in order to graduate we will, in return, not show much gratitude to the university. Some of us are beset by confusion on their own future, because the football program is canceling. In the midst of this I ask why would one dedicate themselves to the University, if not shown the same respect in return.
Sincerely, Andrew Turf President of SAAC
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