Repudiation of violence laudable
In her column “Animal rights activists need to temper radical action and reconsider their objectives” (Aug. 17), Avni Nijhawan makes the case that extremists, ostensibly in support of animal rights, have sullied the reputations of both the animal welfare and vegetarian movements by engaging in criminal “direct action” to achieve their ends.
I applaud Nijhawan for clearly articulating her own perspectives and opinions with reason and words, rather than with firebombs and fists. While I have been a victim of animal rights extremists who burned my car to the ground and have repeatedly threatened my life, I know that these actions represent a minority of those supporting animal rights.
I have met with members of campus animal rights groups, and like scientists who use animals in their research programs, I believe that they hope to work through the difficult issues involved in animal use in a civilized and thorough manner.
I hope that members of these groups will join with pro-research groups, such as Pro-test for Science (formerly, UCLA Pro-test), in hosting open and extensive forums on the positions and perspectives of those on both sides of the animal research debate. There are issues of concern that both sides share in common: the desire to place animal welfare squarely in the center of the discussion and the search for viable alternatives to animal use.
It seems apparent that we have much to gain from a rational and visible dialogue that will lead to structural changes that both sides seek. Nijhawan has already taken the first step: the commitment to discussion and the repudiation of intimidation and violence. I urge members of all the animal rights groups to take as clear a stand.
J. David Jentsch
Professor of psychology and psychiatry and bio-behavioral sciences
Founder, Pro-test for Science
Extension students deserve equal access
UCLA makes it quite clear that UCLA Extension students are not “real” students, despite the thousands of dollars they spend on their education. Extension students are inexplicably forbidden to access wireless Internet on campus.
According to the Bruin Online Acceptable Use Policies, Communication Technology Services provides the UCLA community with access to local, national and international sources of information in an atmosphere that encourages information sharing, access to a rich collection of services, open and free discussion for academic purposes, and other university-related uses.”
Everyone in the UCLA community, that is, except for Extension students.
This is an insult to thousands of adults who invest their time, money and minds toward higher education. According to UCLA’s dean of Continuing Education, Cathy A. Sandeen, 60,000 individuals per year participate in Extension programs. All of these students are denied access to “local, national and international sources of information.” It’s unfair and an unreasonable slap in the face. This isn’t just about Wi-Fi Internet access. It’s about respect.
I’m enrolled in UCLA Extension’s Certificate Program for Film Writing. Two nights a week I drive from Burbank, where I live, to the UCLA campus. My classes begin at 7 p.m., and to avoid traffic I arrive three hours early.
As a student, I should have the freedom to check my e-mail, do class-related research online, read the latest news at the Daily Bruin’s Web site, and update my Facebook status, just as the “real” UCLA students do, while sitting at Kerckhoff Coffeehouse or by the fountain near Royce Hall.
I recently purchased a BruinCard, hoping that my student ID number would allow me to register for a UCLA logon ID. I was wrong. With each attempt, I received nothing but error messages. I visited the technical support office at Kerckhoff Hall. The gentleman I spoke with explained that Extension students are not considered actual UCLA students and therefore not allowed wireless Internet access. I was confused, frustrated and frankly, a little hurt.
UCLA allows “guests” to obtain a temporary network logon ID from a “sponsor.” Sponsors must be UCLA faculty or staff members with an eligible logon ID. Extension students, however, aren’t merely “guests.” They are students. Paying students. We should not require sponsors.
An amendment must be made to the Bruin Online policies. There’s no reason why an Extension student, especially one who is working hard and diligently toward earning a Certificate, should be denied the simple privilege of wireless Internet access. We’re as real as any other UCLA student.
Eric Yang
UCLA Extension