Letters to the Editor

Editor,

I am writing concerning a recent article printed by your staff entitled “Prospective student asks about USU’s ‘Mormon problem.'” I wish to reprimand the Statesman for the way in which it was handled, since I understand that it was staff members who wrote the article.

Although I understand the need for freedom of speech, I feel that this story was not in good taste. And I would say the same even if it were about another religion than mine. I was deeply offended by some of the shallow and sarcastic descriptions of my religion, as I’m sure any faithful believer would be if their religion was so depicted. All people, regardless of religion, deserve respect.

I understand that this article was written by members of your staff. It seems to me that, as members of the staff, you have a responsibility to be respectful to your readership, no matter who they may be, even if you are writing editorials. Being on the staff places you in a position of influence and that requires at least a certain measure of integrity and respectfulness.

America was founded on the principles of freedom, which entitles all to freedom of speech and freedom of expression. However, the Founding Fathers also founded America on the principle of Unity. Abraham Lincoln once wrote that a house divided cannot stand, speaking of the conflict between the North and the South. I would ask if this editorial was published to promote campus unity, or to break it down?

Eli JonesWeber State University