LETTER: Policy change is disappointing

To the editor:

    With sadness I write this letter with only hope for a positive outcome. I have noted great changes since my first visit to the HPER in 1983 when Harry ran the building, a gentleman who would say yes sir and no sir to everyone who entered this place and it had a feeling of openness. The overriding rule was respect for everyone and the facility and trust with the feeling of freedom and liberty, that is how I think about it now looking back in light of what it is today, and the other day it took on another look and feel as I entered the men’s locker room to see big bold red signs saying report any illegal or suspicious behavior at the front office. While enjoying the steam room, which I am most grateful for, at 6 p.m. the steam stopped, and one man said, “Will it come back on?” Being hopeful I said it probably would, I was informed by staff it will be shut off now at 6 p.m. year round, due to an incident in the steam room that took place by two individuals who were caught.
  This decision empowered these individuals in taking away privileges and rights to females and males, who have been enjoying normal hours in the steam room for many years; this has been taken from respectable trustworthy deserving people. How does this represent the spirit and soul of America to let the low behavior of two people dictate to all the people a 6 p.m. shut off?  Seems you’re telling the students to learn this in their higher learning that if you act in a debase manner and get caught you can be empowered to take privileges and rights from those who don’t.
    I miss the good old days, still grateful to USU for making it available ’til 6 p.m. but please put the hours back to normal for the people and remember the true spirit and soul of America.            

Jesse M. Gittins