Dear Editor,
Though it is true, that one should be paid for work, it is not as easy when it comes to internships. Having run two statewide and one national election in Austria, I have had my experiences with interns.
Since most universities will or cannot teach the toughness of real-life jobs and deadlines, or the dangers of unintended quotes in national newspapers or TV shows, visual slip-ups, 18-hours a day shifts, etc., it is up to those who offer the experience in the field to do the teaching while they also have to do their own jobs.
If an intern is not just used to stuff envelopes or some other highly intellectual work, but for true professional challenges, one has to guide him or her through the day. That is what an internship is for. If students would be able to perfectly fulfill any work they are assigned, they would be hired on the spot, or the employee would be glad to cover the expenses of further education. Interns are not just cheap labor for employees, they can—in some cases—turn into a burden or even a liability.
I agree, though, that it is not fair to have to pay tuition and work for free in the so-called free market economy. The only solution is, that companies who hire interns should cover some of the students cost at the institution. That way, the university would be very interested in getting as much on the job experience for its students, while they can afford both, school and intern job. The experiences gathered in real companies with real bosses are invaluable when the time comes to get out of school.
Nikolaus Formanek (‘92)
Dear Editor,
There is little that jerks my chain more than a newspaper printing as a fact something which is only an opinion or a speaker’s claim.
In the Campus Times’ lead article on Oct. 13, reporting on the Fasnacht lecturer, Dr. Mel White, your reporter wrote, “The amendment would eliminate any protection for gays and lesbians and deny homosexuals the right to appeal to the court for injustices they suffer.”
This statement was, in fact, a (paraphrased) quote from Dr. White. The CT article did not indicate this, rather, the sentence was printed as fact, not quote. This is particularly disturbing since Dr. White’s statement was a lie. (Now, before the Political Correctness Police come to drag me away, let me say I found Dr. White’s presentations interesting and thought-provoking, and I believe he made many valid points. I feel it unfortunate that he finds it necessary to promote some half-truths and lies, but I suppose he is only lowering himself to the level of some of his opponents who use the same tactics.)
The University of La Verne has a stated goal of fostering critical thinking skills in students. I would hope that our students learn to question the claims of any speaker, as well as the “facts” reported by the media. At the least, we might hope students aiming for a career in journalism learn the difference between fact and assertion. Despite Dr. White’s assertion, the fact is that the Colorado amendment eliminates only special protection for homosexuals, reducing them to the same protection and appeal rights enjoyed by all Colorado citizens. Don’t take my word for it; research the facts! If you rely on the statements of people who have a political agenda, without checking out the truth, then you deserve exactly what you get—be that Bill Clinton, George Bush or Rush Limbaugh.
Rick Simon
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Dear Editor,
We would like to applaud the column by Amy Borer protesting the defacing of the rock that GLBSU painted on Tuesday, Oct. 10. We in the Education Department support groups that are pro-diversity, use non-violent means of expressing themselves and are respectful of others. We do not support suppression of responsible free speech, hateful tactics and disrespect. We are very disappointed in the actions of those who defaced the rock. As Ms. Borer states, of all places in society, the University should be a sanctuary for diverse opinions.
The Education Dept. Faculty and Staff
Dr. Tom McGuire, Yvonne Davis-Keith, Dr. Barbara Nicoll, Pat Taylor, John Roseman, Dr. Peggy Redman, Dr. Don Hays, Dr. Jim Dunne, Jean Hazelton, Donna Robledo, Millie Elrod, Phyllis Cremer
Nikolaus Formanek
Rick Simon
Education Department Faculty and Staff
Tom McGuire
Yvonne Davis-Keith
Barbara Nicoll
Pat Taylor
John Roseman
Peggy Redman
Don Hays
Jim Dunne
Jean Hazelton
Donna Robledo
Millie Elrod