Dear Editor,
I am writing in regards to the article [“RAs should also abide by rules,” Feb. 15] about how the PA/RAs and how completely disrespectful it was to the PA/RAs and the housing administration. Although some PA/RAs might fit some of the descriptions that were presented in the article, still, not all PA/RAs fit that description. I live in Stu-Han and I know for a fact that the PA/RAs do not fit any of the words that described the PA/RAs in the article. There is a thin line between freedom of speech and slander of someone’s or a whole group’s demeanor, so that article should not have been published. If the author feels that strong about the PA/RAs performances then they should’ve given us some dates and incidents they’ve experienced with the RA/Pas and named some names, but most importantly produce their name. When speaking of someone’s character, whether good or bad a responsibility comes with that judgement and staying anonymous is not being responsible, it puts shame upon the first amendment, and puts judgement of the character on the author.
My objective is to show my disgust with that article, and to let everyone know that all PA/RAs aren’t the same; the article is false, and I wish to propose a retraction of the article. If no retraction is printed then print this one. I respect all of the RAs in my dormitory and those of Brandt and The Oaks because they are truly wonderful, beautiful, and intelligent human beings.
Siddeequah Shabazz
Dear Editor,
This is a response to the letter printed in the Feb. 15 paper regarding RAs and PAs. We feel it is important for you to understand what the duties of an RA entail. As an RA, we are obligated to be on duty one night a week from 5:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next morning. During these hours we patrol the halls, making sure there are no blatant policy violations. If a student needs assistance during these hours, they are able to contact an RA on duty by dialing extension 4456. If we are so-called inaccessible or too busy the rest of the time, excuse us if we are students just like the rest of you. We take a full load of classes and are involved with sports, work, and/or trying to maintain some sort of personal life. When responding to residents’ maintenance requests, RAs put in work orders with maintenance. It is not up to the RA to actually fix the problem, but rather act as a liaison between the residents and maintenance.
While on and off duty, we have gone to various buildings to either do security checks or visit friends, only to have found the doors propped open on numerous occasions. RAs can do only so much to protect the dorms, it is then up to the residents to take an active interest in protecting their building by securing its doors. It is true that RAs give students the phone numbers to the offices where someone might be able to help them. This is what RAs have been trained to do. We refer students and act as a resource for the residents. It is not our responsibility to do the work for them. RAs also do not carry around keys 24 hours of the day, therefore if a resident needs assistance during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., they should contact the housing office at extension 4052. We appreciate getting feedback, but we would prefer getting constructive criticism. Instead of slandering an entire staff, it would be to the individual’s benefit to approach their RA or member of the housing staff with whom they have a problem with and work out a solution.
Danielle Vernetti, Stu-Han RA
ShaMira DeJurnett, Stu-Han RA
Augie Torres, Stu Han RA
Siddeequah Shabazz
Danielle Vernetti
ShaMira DeJurnett