Yoculan gaffe not as bad as Braswell

I don’t understand why someone like Bryan Grantham has a hard time understanding the difference between the Suzanne Yoculan and Marilou Braswell situation (Yoculan, Univ. response defies belief, Jan. 20).

In one case there was ignorance. In one case the person’s boss had told them not to do something and they did it repeatedly with repeated warning.

Also, when they did not like a policy regarding one girl making the team, a very immature step was taken to single out that girl to everyone else.

She was not fired for the prayer but instead for insubordination.

If it is found out that Yoculan was repeatedly told not to take the trip, ignored those warnings and betrayed confidentiality involving a policy made about a student to the gymnastics team, then she should be fired, but that is not the case.

Additionally, it is a minor penalty compared to the Tony Cole incident, since the gift was after they were finished being athletes at the University, compared to before or during.

The amount of the gift is irrelevant.

Yoculan should have a red mark on her record now, but the situation is not as serious as the cheerleading or basketball incidents.

CLAY KIMBRO

I attended the dedication ceremony in honor of Charlayne Hunter-Gault, a truly phenomenal woman — but I was quite disappointed with the end product.

First, the program only lasted 10 minutes with minimal involvement of the African-American community, although some volunteered to be on the program.

For something this big and ostensibly important to the University, I think they should have done more to include minorities whom Charlayne paved the way for.

My biggest issue, however, is the presence of the “N” word in the dead center of the collage.

I understand the goal was to document the struggle of Charlayne Hunter and the late Hamilton Holmes, but I think having “make way for the nig***” plastered on the piece is not only a disgrace but a slap in the face for all those who have struggled and fought for a University to call their own.

I am appalled at the lack of sensitivity of organizers and the University to display such an epithet.

Sadly, the actions of the University still resonate loudly the struggle and epidemic Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Hamilton Holmes thought they tackled 43 years ago.

SHELARESE RUFFIN

In regards to Thursdays political cartoon, the $40 million balls are being picked up by private entities.

It is nice to know that The Red & Black is such an “independent” newspaper. I am glad they represent all students, and I am glad I know how to use satire also.

WILLIAM O’ HARA