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Tell us what you think!Send a letter to the editor about this or any other article in The Maine Campus.
We, the brothers of Beta Theta Pi, have a concern about the title of the article – not the article itself – which appeared in The Maine Campus’ Police Beat, titled “Fight at Beta Theta Pi.”
This incident was in fact not a fight at all, but an assault on one of our brothers. We feel that by labeling it as a fight, it makes it seem that our brothers took part in the conflict. Someone on the outside may take the heading of the article to portray Beta in a negative light. In fact, the two brothers involved followed the appropriate protocol by calling the police when an un-invited guest became a threat, instead of trying to fight back.
We, the brothers of Beta Theta Pi, do not condone underage or excessive drinking or any form of violence in our house. As it stands, the article reflects poorly upon our brothers and the overall Greek community. That is why the two brothers involved took the appropriate measures to call the police and file a report when the incident occurred.
Unfortunately, fraternities have been stereotyped as being rowdy, violent and bad behavioral institutions for decades. We have been working hard over the years to let the public know that fraternities are indeed foundations of great morals, ideals and beliefs. We strive to be men of principle, which entails being gentlemen, scholars and leaders of our communities.
This sort of representation seriously hinders our goal to change the public’s view so that they may see past the stereotypes that the media and a few fraternities have given them.
Richard Michaud, secretary of Beta Theta Pi.
I would like to make an apology concerning my editorial from Monday’s edition of The Maine Campus. The topic of smoking is something I am personally sensitive to, and I let my emotions get the better of me. My argument was based on my own individual prejudice, and I regret writing it. I have been told that it offended many people, smoker and non-smoker, and that was truly not my intention. To be frank, I wrote the article in a snarky and vindictive mood, and actually didn’t intend for it to be taken seriously, especially since many of my statements were so hyperbolic. My attitude was certainly not the proper one for a real debate of any social or political issue.
It has been pointed out to me, truthfully, that my views on the subject are against the usual liberal stance I take on many issues. I am aware of that, but again, this is due to a personal history with smoking. I hope I have never claimed to be a true-blooded liberal, because I am aware that, like most people, my political views are mixed.
If I could, I’d take back the entire piece, because it was written with poor foresight and in an emotional state. I sincerely apologize to those I have offended. I had no place using The Campus as an outlet for my emotions and, in the future, I intend to keep my contributions at a more intellectual par.
Samantha Hansen
