Column by
Jon Konz

 Hello everyone! The end is in sight. Today begins the last full week of classes for term two of the 2009-2010 academic year. As we all look back on the past ten weeks and prepare for the final mental push, I hope we can all feel satisfied with our efforts thus far. I hope you have put in the time and effort to keep your grades where you want them. If you have been struggling with your grades, do not give up now when you are so close to the finish!

 My attention this week has been turned towards respect. Respect is an ideal that transcends cultural boundaries. Everyone wants to be treated with respect. Wars have been fought over respect. Unfortunately, even though we all wish to be treated with respect, it sometimes happens that we do not treat others with respect.

 Many of you have noticed that the plexiglass window to the S.O.U.R.C.E. bulletin board has been removed. Many rumors surround this, but the simple truth is that it was vandalized and needs to be replaced. S.O.U.R.C.E. is still going strong and will continue to have full use of the bulletin board.

 This type of behavior is unacceptable. As if vandalism itself was not bad enough, S.O.U.R.C.E.’s main objective is to promote understanding and respect for all students, echoing Briar Cliff’s mission statement. Can anyone else see the irony here? The sad thing is that whoever is responsible for this vandalism probably thinks that his or her actions are widely approved of, therefore gaining him or her respect. This is simply not the case. In fact, the truth is quite the opposite. Ask around. Most of the students I have talked to are unhappy with this because they realize that it was not just an immature act; they realize that it costs the school money to replace these things, which in turn costs them money. Personally, I cannot and do not respect choices like this. Choices that enable others to build themselves up by attempting to bring others down are despicable, and I am not the only person who feels this way.

 The president of S.O.U.R.C.E., Hillary Beyer, has informed BCSG that S.O.U.R.C.E. would like to hold an open panel to discuss their mission and their objectives. They hope that being more open about their group will help to cultivate a stronger environment of acceptance in the Briar Cliff community. BCSG encourages everyone to attend this event once a date is set. My final comment on this matter is summed up best in the wise words of Will Ferrell in the popular movie, Semi-Pro. “E.L.E. Everybody love everybody.”

 Don’t forget! The student forum for winter term is tonight at 8:30 PM by the Stark Stage. This is a great opportunity to receive Doyle Scholarship credit. Forum topics include housing policy changes for the 2010-2011 school year, the possible change from a trimester to a semester term system, the top three BCSG projects for the spring term, and the forum items from last term: where they are now. Please, show up and get involved.

 Thank you for reading.