Letters to the Editor

American studies has diversified its offerings

Regarding 'Cultural Programs See Growth' (Feb. 26):

As a faculty member deeply committed to curricular diversity and a past recipient of a Task Force on Diversity in the Curriculum grant for new course design, I was pleased to read the Prince article on the growth in courses related to race, ethnicity, and culture.

I was disappointed, however, to see the Program in American Studies mischaracterized as having undergone only minor curricular restructuring or course growth in these vital areas since 1994. Such a claim strikes me as unfair, even misleading, as it has been my experience — and I suspect, that of many others who have taught in the program — that American Studies has broadened its curricular offerings significantly in the past decade, directly in response to the goals of the 1994 report.

I share the belief that there is more work to be done in these areas across the board at Princeton, but I can't let this mischaracterization of American studies go by without comment. William Gleason Associate Professor, Department of English

PJP doesn't help addicts by giving them needles

Regarding 'Needling McGreevey' (Feb. 25):

Needle exchange programs openly facilitate violating the law by providing a necessary tool for administering illegal drugs. Government-sponsored programs that employ this method fall into contradiction: on the one hand proscribing use of these drugs and on the other helping addicts continue their use.

Consider this absurd example: if some men will inevitably rape women, then perhaps we should at least educate them as to how to rape women while using protected sex. After all, wouldn't we prefer rapists to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and avoid impregnating their victims?

We are outraged at this example because we are unwilling to sanction rape. Some are not outraged at needle exchange programs because they are willing to sanction drug use. If the Princeton Justice Project openly sanctions illegal drug use, then they should fight to legalize drugs, not encourage the government to openly encourage breaking its own laws.

If PJP wants to curb drug use or slow the transmission of HIV/AIDS that devastates many urban communities, then they should focus on drug treatment and prevention programs. Evan Baehr President, College Republicans