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THE CLARION
Tuesday, April 8,1980
lEDITORIALSI
Are Academics
Being Sacrificed
At Brevard ?
Just what does a college education entail in a school which bills itself as a
“university parellel”? Since coming to Brevard two years ago we’ve observed
a trend toward increasing lowered academic standards, and an increase in
remedial programs.
We have always thought of college education as a challenge; through our
years in high school, we were constantly told that college would be different.
Unfortunately, we have often found this not to be the case. Frequently, it
seems that many students are forced to have a mediocre education simply
because they are placed in a general class with people who have extreme
difficulties with basic skills — reading, writing, listening, note-taking, etc.
It is a sad thing, indeed, to see a gleam in a teacher’s eye when he realizes
that a few people are getting his idea only to see that gleam die as he realizes
that he must teach to the whole not to just the students who want to learn. This
whole includes students who do not care about classes.
Brevard is becoming increasingly well known for its remedial programs.
Remedial programs are certainly a good idea for students who are lacking
background in some facet of education. But should a student be admitted to
Brevard College who needs to make up background all across the board? Is
the college doing this student a favor or hurting him to stay in the black.
Remedial programs are fine, but does Brevard College want to be noted only
for its remedial programs?
What can be done to stem this tide? B.C. Should put the brake on the number
of basic studies students who are admitted. Admissions should return to the
“C” average advertised admissions standards. Teachers should demand
better quality students; they should not be forced to babysit. Students should
not be allowed to retake failed classes without penalty.
We love Brevard College in spite of herself. You see, we feel that we’ve
learned a lot while we have been here. Thankfully, there are some bright lights
amidst all of the mediocrity. It is our utmost hope that in fifteen or twenty
years we will not have to make excuse for Brevard College. We all need to
wake up to what is going on. Higher education should not be sacrificed for
higher enrollment.
Letter
Signed,
Debi Crane, Eileen Murphy
and Teresa Waynick
Letter
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:
Because of our caring and sharing, we, the Brevard College Community,
contribute $430 to our recent Heart Fund Drive on campus. That plus other
contributions made in Transylvania County will do much toward fighting
America’s No. 1 killer, heart disease.
Thank you for your whole-hearted support, both for helping with the drive
and for contributing to it. It is privilege to work with people who care.
Sincerely,
Grace Munro, Campus Chairman
North Carolina Heart Association
I’d like to share with you my thoughts and sentiments
as expressed by a new friend and fellow Phi Theta
Kappain concerning the anti-draft rally which we
witnesses recently in Washington, D.C. This editorial is
written by Kevin Williams, Wabash Valley College, Mt.
Carmel, Illinois.
While in Washington, D.C. this past weekend, I had
the good fortune or bad fortune, which ever your
viewpoint, of viewing the 30,000 strong anti-draft rally.
The rally, which began at the Whitehouse and traveled
down Pennsylvania Avenue ending at the Capitol was an
extreme example of the idea of the freedom of speech
and the freedom to assemble under the democratic
philosophy. While standing on the corner next to the
National Archives, where America’s three top
documents, the Declaration of Independence, the
Constitution and the Bills of Rights are housed, I
realized that indeed America is the only country in the
world where these demonstrators would be allowed to
demonstrate in such numbers against a government
policy, a policy which would protect these rights. In the
wordds of General William Westmoreland, who spoke
that same night, “This country thrives because of the
’ certain rights which we as American citizens enjoy, but
along with these rights are certain duties, duties and
responsibilities to protect these rights from the forces
which would tend to undermine our institutions of
freedom.” I can see the headlines which will come from
this rally, “Students speak against Carter,” “Young
people revolt against draft policy,” and other similar
titles. But let me say this one thing, do not judge all of
the youth of America by what a few radical students
who do not deserve the privileges that America offers,
say. There are still some of us who believe in what
America stands for, and if it comes right down to it,
would fight for what we believe in — the freedoms of
America — including the rights of free speech, freedom
of the press, and the freedom of assemble.
You may be tired of hearing the issues concerning the
draft or draft registration, but once one witnesses such
as a demonstration as described above, one begins to
seriously take a stance. What do you stand for?
Spring Break Profitable
Three members of the Brevard College track team
won All American honor at the Indoor Nationals
sponsored by the NJCAA in Columbia, Missouri. John
George won the 2 mile; Jeff Wentworth placed 3rd in the
3 mile, and Wilbert Carter took fourth position in the
shotput.
A few days later Brevard’s PTK Chapter, Delta Pi,
scored a big victory by placing their candidate for
southern vice-president, Debbie Moseman, in office. It
was a victory well-earned for the chapter and their
candidate. Special credit should go to Donna Harringer,
president of Delta Pi and Moseman’s campaign
manager. While at Brevard College, Donna has devoted
a great deal of her time to Phi Theta Kappa and its
ideals. Good luck to her and to the new officers of P.T.K.
They are: Debbie Moseman, southern vice-president,
Mrs. Sally Beard, National Sponsor’s president, Joyce
Keenum, Delta Pi president and her 1980-81 team, Tim
Watson, Amy Garrou, and “Boo” Blolock.
The Clarion
Published during the College session by students of Brevard College. The opinions
expressed in this periodical are those of the editorial board and not necessarily those
of the college. Any reader comment is welcome. Please address reader replies to Box
156.
Editor-in-Chief Crane
AssKtant Kathi Levine
Sports Editor/Business Manager Bobby Hayes
Assistant Sport Editor Ray Duckworth
Photographer Mary Doyle
Reporters. Greg Bare, Kathy “Mud” Clark , Alison Cooperman, Judy Early, Nancy
Ennis, Alan Folk, Michael Ledbetter, Mike McFarland, Nivaldo
Masson. Frank Moody, Yvonne Roop, Richard Rowe, “Tex
Vincent, Mark Kennard and Laurie Krug
Adivsors Ken Chamlee
Typist Linda Branson