LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: SECURE, STUDIOUS ENVIRONMENT SHOULD BE NORM FOR COLLEGE

Dear Editor,

The hazing incident at Southeast Missouri State University has been passed off as unfortunate, but I wonder just how much the college administration and faculty work towards preventing this type of harm to our students. What have they done other than ban the fraternity from the campus? What about the other sororities and fraternities?

Just how many of our young adults enter Southeast Missouri State University expecting to become more knowledgeable, more independent, and more efficient in meeting their chosen career and educational goals just to have those hopes dashed by the inefficiency of the university to offer a non-disruptive program of study and a safe dorm facility.

Perhaps a more in-depth investigation would uncover hidden incidents of this nature, where students have just passed it off, or covered it over to avoid harm or problems.

For the one student we know about, because of his death, how many more have lost out on their formal education because they feared ostracism or harm if they came forward and reported this type of activity?

It is not the responsibility of the students to report these incidents, but the responsibility of the faculty and administration to offer a safe, secure and studious environment for the student body.

How many dorm rapes, death threats, and other dangerous nonreported incidents are being passed of as unfortunate?

It is easy to blame students, after all, there is a certain stigma attached to being a "college kid". But for every dope addict, pleasure seeking college kid, there are probably one hundred times as many students honestly seeking to obtain a formal education -- and many give up this pursuit because of present, real dangers that have not been addressed by the faculty.

Our college campus should be a safe, secure educational place, where a young adult can expect to complete a program of study without interference by intruders. What parent wants to send a son or daughter to a campus that cannot provide its students safety, or provide an atmosphere conducive to study?

I have a nephew who is about enter Southeast Missouri University and I must say, I am concerned.

LOYICE PRICHARD

Poplar Bluff