Letters to the Editor

Article on Frist attack too focused on race

Regarding 'Assault attempted in Frist bathroom' (Monday, Oct. 3):

While we certainly recognize the gravity of the attempted assault in Frist, we believe that the article ("Attempted Assault in Frist Bathroom," October 3, 2005) was unduly sensationalistic. The article has the potential to fuel a racially charged hysteria, as readers were reminded that the assailant was "Spanish-speaking" three times, and if they had not gotten the point yet, they were further apprised that he was "Hispanic" and donned a cap emblazoned with "Guatemala." We believe, moreover, that the article could have been more precise in distinguishing between fact and hearsay. The danger of stoking hysteria on campus has already been illustrated by the hasty apprehension of two men "who seemed to match" descriptions of the suspect. Campus security is important, but at what price? Chin Jou GS and Shellen Wu GS

University 'facilities' not up to par

Regarding 'Thrones too sparse in Princeton kingdom' (Monday, Oct. 3):

Thanks to Professor Fleming for raising the issue of enough bathrooms in Princeton's public places. I hope the Priorities Committee is listening. Richardson Auditorium is in serious need of more bathrooms. I have witnessed children in serious distress at intermission in the long line. Standing in long lines isn't fun for adults either. In addition, there are not even any portable toilets at the end of the crew races on Lake Carnegie. On a spring race day there are usually over 100 people gathered at the Kingston end of the lake, some of whom have driven serious distances from other communities to watch the races. I have also heard complaints of no toilets at softball games. Beth Bogan Department of Economics