Letters

To the Editor: What is often overlooked in discussions of racial segregation on campus is its distinct advantages. People in racial or religious minorities often feel much more comfortable in a segregated dorm than they would if forced to integrate. In fact, the individuals most concerned about their racial or religious well being -- who are often the most diverse -- would be reluctant to attend our University if not for the safety of the segregated dorms. Therefore, the segregation which exists actually leads to greater diversity within the University community.

Matthew Wieder Engineering '00

To the Editor: The letters of Sgt. Margaret O'Malley and Sgt. Ted Farrell ("'DP' coverage flawed," The Daily Pennsylvanian, 11/30/00) were indicative of their writers. I can't believe either of them has ever felt the prejudice felt by ethnic officers like myself. Both were on Chief Maureen Rush's A-list; one for ability, the other via nepotism. O'Malley herself is no stranger to the "Rush Rage," and professional in spite of it. Farrell referenced my statements, which I found quite odd. The incidents happened prior to his hiring and he cannot address them credibly. Farrell can't "clarify facts" when he wasn't there to witness them. His statement that I have not "been employed by UPPD for several years" is untrue. I resigned in April, less than a year ago. In spite of numerous efforts and Rush's request that I leave the UPPD prior to my college graduation, I left when I decided. At the UPPD, the "good ol' boy network" is alive and well. The irony is that the "good ol' boy" is a woman.

Patrick Chadd Penn Police officer, 1990-2000

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To the Editor: After reading the self-serving and patronizing statements of two Penn Police supervisors, I am extremely pleased to see the true colors of UPPD management finally revealed. Sgt. Margaret O'Malley callously dismissed the discrimination complaints of many former and current officers as the ravings of "disgruntled employees." In an earlier article ("A league of their own," DP, 11/28/00), O'Malley and three other UPPD officers -- including Chief Maureen Rush -- described the shameful conduct doled out in the past by the police fraternity towards fellow officers who happen to be female. If the white, male-dominated police subculture can spew poison on people who look like their mothers and sisters, why should anyone have a hard time believing people of color are sometimes shortchanged? I'm not asking the fair-minded people at Penn to believe I suffered racial discrimination simply because I was once a student here. The mountain of complaints and the undisputed facts speak for themselves. But if people of color who join the police are the recipients of hatred from their co-workers, what are the chances for the vulnerable members of society who live in fear of racial profiling and excessive force?

Ken Yuen College '86

The writer is a former Penn Police officer.

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