Most sports out, education in

I admit it. Bring out the cuffs, read me my rights and haul me away, because I confess. I am ( you may want to cover your eyes for this, Miss Simpson) an SF State student who would like to see most sport programs annihilated (as well as other unnecessary expenses such as Mr. Corrigan's exorbitant six-figure salary and the many empty, multimillion-dollar, post-modern monstrosities built up around campus perennially) in favor of more classes, lower tuition rates and the retention of such vital programs as ethnic studies, affirmative action and the arts.

Miss Simpson's recent editorial diatribe (Feb. 22) illustrates one of the many indications of the declivity of American higher education, specifically its inability to focus in on pertinent intellectual enrichment.

While I'll be the first person to admit that every individual on this campus, no matter what their interest or inclinations, should be treated with respect, her assertion that the many athletes of this campus be lauded at an Olympia-like level is both arrogant and absurd.

A university exists to develop and cultivate minds, not to frolic in the sort of Neanderthallike encomia that Miss Simpson so fervently advocates. The fact that athletes are deliberately given priority registration over students so desperately trying to graduate within a matter of years is an insult to both the purpose of a university as well as its student body.

Miss Simpson also notes quite enthusiastically that most people remember the names of sports teams when reflecting upon such esteemed universities as UCLA, Stanford and others. She may very well be right. But is the steadfast glorification of sports really necessary? Must we sacrifice future doctors, scientists, artists and minority leaders to celebrate ephemeral physical prowess in the guise of a measly softball team?

To do so would be to prevent the more sublime facets of the human species from flourishing. Instead of preparing minds to face the many rigorous challenges of the world, Miss Simpson would have us dump them down through sports. Is it any wonder why athletes such as Miss Simpson are vilified and scorned by the remaining non-athletic population of SF State?

[ Golden Gater Online February 29, 1996 ]

[ Top of document ]