Reader's Forum

The Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Submit opinions through campus mail to 101 Jeter Hall or e-mail (thevoice@uamont.edu) us.  Though letters may appear anonymous at the writer's request, the editorial staff must know his or her identity.

   In response the recent article entitled “Judicial Process Punishes Students” I have the following statement:

   The judicial system is an educational tool for self-growth with two main objectives. The first objective is to determine innocence or guilt, and the second is to modify those behaviors deemed unacceptable in order to enhance the formation of a positive living-learning environment within the University community.  This is done in an educational framework so the student who is charged and found guilty may see this not as punishment, but as a learning and growth opportunity.  The title of the above mentioned article is therefore misleading.

   I'm also quoted in the story as saying "Trials are held Monday… etc."  We don’t have trials, we have hearings.

   A judicial board does not review each case.  The accused student has the option of attending a judicial board hearing.   

   The Residential Hall Judicial Board is comprised of residents from each hall, a Resident Director (RD) & the chairperson. 

   The University Judicial Board is comprised of seven faculty or professional staff members, six students appointed by the SGA & two chairpersons.

   If a student were to be found guilty, there are numerous sanctions that the above article leaves out such as:  a warning, mandated counseling, conduct probation, suspension, expulsion & loss of access to certain university recognized functions or residence halls. 

   I appreciate being interviewed for the above article but felt there were many inaccuracies.  May I suggest that in the future that an article be checked for accuracy of statements and facts with the person being interviewed before being published?

   As always, I enjoy reading The Voice and appreciate the work you do.       

Sincerely, 

Mitch Meredith
Director of Housing & Residence Life
U of A - Monticello
meredith@uamont.edu
www.uamont.edu/studentaffairs/residencelife/home.asp

Adviser's note: Thank you for the corrections. We apologize for our mistake and plan to diligently guard against these problems in the future. Hopefully we'll make new errors rather than repeating old ones. We appreciate our reader's help and hope that some might aid in eliminating future errors.

We need copy editors, reporters, sports reporters, outdoor writers, photographers, commentators, editorial cartoonists and artists to help with the Voice — not only in Monticello, but at the Crossett and McGehee campuses as well. For their hard work, the staff receives a one-hour lab credit, though some work entirely for free. Interested? Contact me at sitton@uamont.edu or call (870) 460-1138. -RS