I am writing this letter to inform you of a misquote and inaccurate information.

In the recent article “Greek Tragedy” (6/18), Paul Ruffins quotes me as saying that I support and am in favor of hazing/pledging. On the basis of the excerpts from comments, he made it seem as if I am equating beating or paddling as the “Right Way” of entering a Greek organization.

Let me first say that the quote is taken out of context. I did say that paddling represents a struggle, but it was preceded by the word “seems,” referring to all Greeks, white and black. I also stated that paddling was adopted from white Greeks in the early 1900s. Yes, I referenced Native American and African rituals, but I also referenced that young college students (both black and white) are not always capable of using and performing similar rituals. For this reason, I clearly stated that I was neither in favor of nor against pledging. I also clearly referenced the point that our national organizations have outlawed hazing/pledging.

I am aware that common journalistic approaches call for using tidbits of information or quotes in order to send a message. It seems that this message has been quite abused in this instance.

It is apparent that Ruffins has an emotional and personal interest in the article. That does not justify the misuse of information that he acquires.

Greenbelt, Md.

via the Internet