LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: GOOOOOOOOAL! RIGHT DECISION! WRONG JUSTIFICATION!

Dear Editor,

If the Southeast Missourian reporter accurately quoted Cape Girardeau School Superintendent, Neyland Clark, in the Thursday, July 14 story, he concurs with the school board's decision to start a girls high school soccer team in the '95'96 school year. However, his justification seems to be out of default, saying: "We felt it would be less expensive to provide the program, than to defend in court why we didn't have the program."

This is an example of the wrong-headedness that made Title IX legislation necessary in the first place. Providing an outlet and arena for growth for the athletic talent of young women has not always been a priority. It would have been unthinkable in the past to consider such an omission for our young men. In today's society, the need for academic scholarships for college is, in one sense, a competition in itself. The acquisition of an athletic scholarship is the only track for some. Also, let us not minimize the impact of athletic ability, the feeling of being a part of a team effort, and the self-esteem gained by performing at your best.

Most of all, let's not adopt the passive attitude of accomplishing equity for all out of fear of litigation. Would any parents of daughters (or sons) disagree?

BARBARA N. STRIBLING

Cape Girardeau