Letters to the Editor
To the editor:After reading last week's staff editorial on GSA involvement in college sports ("GSA not a residential college") the GSA officers have decided to issue this response. In the online comments there are already several corrections and counterarguments to the poorly researched claim of competitive advantage. Since these points have already been made, there is not much reason to repeat them here, but what does need to be addressed is the narrow viewpoint displayed in this editorial. Just like undergraduates, GSA members are Rice University students, part of Ricew's "student body." This inclusivity has been encouraged in recent years by the GSA's efforts alongside the SA to improve graduate-undergraduate relations. This includes graduate mentoring for undergraduates, and the recent and very successful Research Mixer. Unfortunately, last week's editorial does not carry the same sentiment. It plainly takes the opposite viewpoint, stating that graduate students should not participate in college sports and other on-campus recreational activities like Beer Bike and powderpuff. For grads, as for undergrads, these activities are a respite from class and research that provide a social opportunity with other students. Close friendships are made through GSA sports. Also, engagement in such activities is not uniquely a "college experience." Employees at companies of comparable size to Rice University nearly always have opportunities for competitive recreational activities available to them, even though they are no longer in college. We strongly oppose removing the GSA from sports and recreational activities. It would not only go against the inclusive nature of the campus community, but also take away recreational opportunities for graduate students. Nonetheless, we remain committed to efforts aimed at improving graduate-undergraduate relations and increasing interactions between graduate and undergraduate students, including friendly and fair competition. Graduate students are here, after all, for reasons other than raising Rice's national profile. We are willing to both listen to and participate in discussions with sports representatives on ways to improve the fairness and competitiveness of the aforementioned sports. ?
GSA officers
More from The Rice Thresher
Scott Abell named football head coach
Rice football has hired Scott Abell as the program’s 20th head coach, according to an announcement from director of athletics Tommy McClelland, who led a national search to fill the position.
Local Foods launches in newly renovated Brochstein space
Local Foods Market opened at Brochstein Pavilion Nov. 19, replacing comfort food concept Little Kitchen HTX. The opening, previously scheduled for the end of September, also features interior renovations to Brochstein. Local Foods is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Scan, swipe — sorry
Students may need to swipe their Rice IDs through scanners before entering future public parties, said dean of undergraduates Bridget Gorman. This possible policy change is not finalized, but in discussion among student activities and crisis management teams.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.