On Campus

Past Carleton student leaders “horrified” by CUSA rationale

Letter encourages council to revisit issue with open mind, reinstate Shinerama

Dear Editor,

We are writing with respect to the recent decision by the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) to cancel the annual fundraising event during Frosh Week known as Shinerama, which raises money for Cystic Fibrosis. The apparent reason for doing so is even more shocking than the actual result. Apparently, Cystic Fibrosis according to CUSA, affects mostly white males and is therefore not a diverse enough charity for CUSA to raise money for. As former members of the executive, council, frosh week facilitators and volunteers of CUSA we are horrified that the domination of political correctness has now invaded the philanthropic arena.

We now have to decide which charities and diseases are politically correct enough for students to participate in them? What does this say about all of those who have participated in this event for all those years and its continued success? What about all of those who suffer from Cystic Fibrosis and have benefited from the money rose from this event? What about the camaraderie and friendship that takes place during frosh week and helps students begin their university life while learning to give back to their communities?

Isn’t it time that CUSA council give their heads a shake and cool off a bit and revisit this issue with an open mind? Saying Cystic Fibrosis or any other disease or charity associated with it is not diverse enough is just prejudice, pure and simple. It makes absolutely no sense. What gives them or anyone else the right to say that? This time honoured tradition means so much to the students who participated in it before you. It means so much to the people who have benefited from the money raised. Instead of changing it or cancelling it, why not add something new if you feel the need to diversify? There are so many worthwhile causes, why just pick one? We just do not see the point of putting down all of the people who suffer from Cystic Fibrosis and their benefactors who have put in their time and efforts into this worthy cause for the sake of political correctness.

Keep Shinerama and add another charity event! The more the merrier! Cancer research is a fantastic cause. So is AIDS research. There are numerous organizations which are looking for money in the area of mental health research. There are so are many deserving charities who would welcome additional support. Just think about what you are really doing and realize that it is in no way, shape or form politically correct. It is insulting and hurtful.

Sincerely,

Wendy Stewart
CUSA Finance Commissioner 1994-1995
Chair of CUSA Council 1995-1996
Carleton University Orientation “Frosh” Week Volunteer

Pierre Leduc
CUSA Councilor 1994-1995
Carleton University Orientation “Frosh” Week Volunteer

Shannon White
CUSA Shinerama Coordinator 1994
Carleton University Orientation “Frosh” Week Volunteer

Craig Watson
CUSA Shinerama Coordinator 1995
CUSA Director of Education 1997-1998
Cystic Fibrosis Recipient 1969-Present
Carleton University Orientation “Frosh” Week Volunteer

Elaine Flis
Chair of CUSA Council 1993-1994
Carleton University Orientation “Frosh” Week Volunteer

Chris Lennon
CUSA Director of External Affairs 1994-1995 Carleton University Orientation “Frosh” Week Volunteer

Perry Simpson
CUSA Councilor 1993-1995
CUSA Peer Counsellor 1992-1994

Tom Golem
CUSA Councilor 1992-1995
CUSA Vice-President of Corporate Affairs Carleton University Orientation “Frosh” Week Volunteer

Richard Stanton
CUSA President 1994-1995
Carleton Board of Governors 1994-1996
Carleton University Senate 1994-1995
Orientation Commissioner 1993-1994
RRRA President 1990-1991
Carleton University Orientation “Frosh” Week Volunteer

John Woods
RRRA President 1993-1995
Carleton University Orientation “Frosh” Week Volunteer

Peter Nogalo
CUSA Director of External Affairs 1995-1996
Carleton University Orientation “Frosh” Week Volunteer

Marco D’Angelo
CUSA Director of Educational Affairs 2001-2002

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