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Opinion
 

Letters to the Editor

New bathrooms would help disabled

To the editor:

I agree with many of the points mentioned in the letters about Jennifer Jackson's column, "Keep bathrooms classified by gender" (Opinion, Nov. 21). I think it's also worth noting that it's not just transgender people who benefit from gender-neutral rest rooms. They can also be useful for people with certain disabilities. 

My grandfather, for instance, had Alzheimer's disease, and he often needs assistance with washing up and tucking in his shirt after he uses the rest room. Yet when my mother or I took him to appointments or to the store, we would often find ourselves standing outside the men's room door, nervously waiting for him to come out and hoping he wouldn't get flustered or need help while in there alone. 

It's not just transgender people whose needs are inadequately met by gender-segregated rest rooms; it's also people like my grandfather, whose disease was blind to notions of propriety. 

Rebecca Rosenberg
economics post-baccalaureate 

Student, speaker amiss in demonstration 

To the editor:

I would like to comment on Tuesday's lively gathering behind the M.D. Anderson Memorial Library. What initially seemed like a message delivered by devout individuals of the Christian faith turned out to be a display of ignorant finger-pointing.

A man carrying a Bible in his left hand and pointing at onlookers with his right condemned anyone to hell who disagreed with what he believed was the message of God. Though I am a Christian and believe some of what he said, I will in no way condemn to hell those who choose to live lives different from mine. By doing so, I would be condemning my family, friends and those I love and care about. He got his message across by embracing those around him, not by creating enemies. The man Tuesday had no right to judge and condemn others for not living a Christian lifestyle.

At the peak of the tension, one frustrated student rushed toward the man delivering the message, snatched the Bible from his hands, threw it in a puddle of water and began stomping on it. I sympathize with the student's feelings, but his actions were unacceptable and disrespectful. To me, whether a person agrees with the message, all religious texts are sacred pieces of work that should be respected. I forgive the student's actions and hope he understands my discontent.

As for the man who delivered his message Tuesday, I forgive him and pray he finds a better way of preaching God's message.

Manuel Perea
anthropology/pre-medicine junior
 

Letters to the editor are welcome from all members of the UH community and should focus on issues, not personalities. Letters must be typed and must include the author's name, telephone number and affiliation with the University. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, language and space. Letters may be delivered in person to Room 151, Communication; e-mailed to dclettrs@mail.uh.edu ; or faxed to (713) 743-5384.