Zeta Psi has always owned Sigma Phi Epsilon
house The article, “Home is who the brothers
are,” (News, Oct. 21) contains both factual errors and errors
of assumption. The first error is one of omission. While Sigma Phi
Epsilon’s current situation is given full coverage, no
mention is made of Zeta Psi, which owns the house Sigma Phi Epsilon
has been occupying for the past 10 years at 611 Gayley Ave. Much
like Delta Tau Delta, which was actually featured in the story, the
Zeta Psi fraternity of UCLA has also recently taken back its
historic home from other occupants. Zeta Psi has owned 611 Gayley
since the late 1970s and never relinquished ownership of the house.
From 1994 to Sept. 15 of this year, Sigma Phi Epsilon rented the
property from our alumni. Thus, the report that Sigma Phi Epsilon
has occupied the house for 20 years is incorrect. Having retaken
our home, we expect to demolish the current house at 611 Gayley
Ave. before the end of this quarter and complete reconstruction as
early as fall of 2006. It is a project estimated to cost millions
of dollars, resulting in a new five-story home including an
underground parking structure. The plans to build Zeta Psi a home
fitting its illustrious history ““ the 1924 founding class
included William Ackerman ““ is drawing significant community
support. It certainly is an exciting time for the Greek community,
with two fraternities reoccupying their former properties.
Hopefully this addendum to Friday’s story will give UCLA
students a full idea of what is in store for our great school.
Jon M. English President of the Zeta Psi
fraternity
Tribal Learning Community photo culturally
insensitive I was shocked to see the photo that ran with
the Oct. 20 news article “Law school, local tribes team
up.” The article covers the official opening ceremony of a
Native American program on campus and the photo is of the
reception’s fully stocked bar, replete with several rows of
wine and wine glasses. Were there really no better photo
opportunities that night or was your photographer just lazy? As
student journalists, you have a responsibility to be aware of the
negative cultural stereotypes you are reinforcing. I hope that you
can show more cultural sensitivity and common sense in the future.
Charlie Padow Graduate student, social welfare and former
journalist