Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
The college system has its pros and cons. We all know this and Eddie Reyes clearly addresses some of the issues in his editorial, "Will Rice stays strong during Beer Bike," published on April 6, 2012. Most ironically, though, his article actually exemplifies many of the attributes he is criticizing.
Will Rice College is undeniably linked to Beer Bike history and it has a strong record of winning. There is nothing wrong with being successful or "caring" and "trying" as Reyes suggests. The united "hatred" towards Will Rice does not stem from its success, but rather its approach to Beer Bike as a whole. Ceremonies flaunting their victories, shirts commemorating their sweeps, stationary bicycles at the track (like they have had in the past) and other obnoxious actions are the difference between a champion and a showoff. These are the reasons for the united front against Will Rice during Willy Week and Beer Bike, not the college's actual success.
While such hatred from other colleges is certainly frustrating, Will Rice has brought it upon itself, unlike Martel College, the usual scapegoat of the 10 colleges. However, to suggest that other colleges are simply not up to par with Will Rice is downright arrogant. Reyes may have had insights as a college president, but claiming that other colleges can only unite through hatred is a ridiculous and shameful statement. All of the colleges have traditions and a culture that let their spirits shine: It may just require getting out of Will Rice to witness it.
Christoph Meyer is a Hanszen College senior.
More from The Rice Thresher
Students of conscience should boycott Local Foods
Local Foods has served, for many years, as a casual Houston restaurant option for Houston residents, including Rice students. Folks on campus will notice that this option has become more proximate, as a Local Foods location claims space on campus in the Brochstein Pavilion.
Insurance options for Ph.D. students are overpriced and insufficient
Doctoral students at Rice are given insufficient health insurance options especially compared to institutions with graduate student unions. Aetna’s graduate student health insurance plan leaves students with significant costs compared to the minimum annual stipend. Additionally, the available Aetna plan offers insufficient benefits when compared both to medical insurance plans at peer institutions and to the non-subsidized Wellfleet plan – Rice’s alternative option for international students.
Keep administrative hands off public parties
Emergency Management is hoping to implement a new system that has students swipe their IDs when entering public parties to cross-check their name with a pre-registered list. This idea is being touted as an effort to reduce check-in time and lines at publics. The thing is – we are tired. After bans on events, APAC and dramatic changes in party requirements, we want hands off the public party.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.