R&B photos underplayed minority feat

As a minority student on campus and as vice president of the Caribbean Students Association, I must admit this Saturday when Adam Gobin, who is from Trinidad and Tobago, was named Homecoming King, I was just about the only person jumping up and down in my section.

However, my excitement turned to immediate disappointment on Monday morning when I opened up my Red & Black and did not see even one picture of our Homecoming King in the entire four-page photo spread, which included pictures of a ticket scalper, a large crowd of random people, a stadium vendor and yes, our Homecoming Queen (without her king).

You must understand my concern regarding this huge oversight, especially when, in two of the three years I have been attending the University, The Red & Black’s issue following Homecoming has included at least one picture of the king and queen together.

The lack of coverage of such a wonderful achievement of the minority community is one more example, in my mind, of how our university hasn’t come as far as we might like to believe.

TELECIA GORDON

Junior, Snellville
Psychology

Homecoming spread almost entirely white

After opening the 2005 Homecoming pullout of The Red & Black, it was hard not to notice how the campus community was represented. “Tradition” was quoted often and photographs of celebratory fans filled the pages.

The racial homogeneity, however, was overwhelmingly white. The few people of color displayed were people in service positions – someone selling tickets and a cotton candy vendor.

Either people attending the game were predominantly white, the photographers simply chose white subjects or many faces were photographed and The Red & Black selected certain ones for the pullout to maintain the glossy image of a family “tradition.”

Looking at the remaining 41 pictures online, three other non-white subjects are discerned – from the rear. With more than 15 percent of University students being minorities, it seems the racial disparity in this pullout is indicative of the general climate at the University.

ANGELA TAYLOR

Second-year Veterinary student
Phoenix, Ariz.

Gays deserve safe workplace, too

In response to Tuesday’s article regarding the addition of sexual orientation to the non-discrimination policy, “Policy change still stalled,” the University Council’s decision needs to be honored.

Personal views on sexual orientation should not dictate whether the approved policy is implemented. Our students and staff deserve the safest and most welcoming environment the University can provide them.

I hope President Adams and the Board of Regents feel the same way.

KATHERINE BURDETTE

Freshman, Lawrenceville
Psychology