I will begin by saying how disappointed I am in the lack of wisdom shown by the editors of the Optimist in the Nov. 12 and the Nov. 14 issues.

The two articles concerning the tragic accident on Campus Court specifically named the driver.

Although I do know that this was not out of spite or any malice, I do think that this showed poor judgment on behalf of the editing staff.

It is very important to spread the news of such a tragic event so that Ms. Pool can be in our prayers, but the fact that Mr. Muns’ name was mentioned twice in a university-wide publication upsets me.

To me, this shows a lack of respect for the privacy of which this situation calls for and a blatant disregard of the consequences these few words might do to affect Mr. Muns’ personal life.

Being a university-sponsored publication with editors and reporters who are humans and still students, I hope that this affair will be a learning opportunity for everyone.

So what should one learn from this ordeal? The most important lesson I hope that the editing staff learns from this is that it is important to reflect on the consequences of its publications. In this case, only seven words-separated by hyphens-can have a great effect on a fellow student. At ACU, it should not be the intentions to harm another student’s reputation, but we should build each other up.

Now, as a stated above, I do not believe it was the intentions of the Optimist staff to harm another student’s reputation, but I hope that the consequences of publications will be greatly considered in the future.

David Vance
senior biochemistry major from Austin