The Olympic spirit

We are writing to you on behalf of the university’s Chinese Student and Scholar Association to complain about a cartoon published by The Diamondback April 9. The author intentionally drew the 2008 Beijing Olympics logo in a way that makes it look like a symbol in messy blood, which not only hurts the feelings of Chinese students, scholars, faculty and others who live in the neighborhood of the university, but also insults more than a billion of friendly Chinese living in China who welcome people from all over the world coming to Beijing this summer for the real spirit of the Olympics: peace.

It is really disappointing and upsetting that this cartoon was published without giving any consideration to the Chinese community and those who love the Olympics for its spirit. It is also very sad to see someone trying to mix the Olympics with politics. The Olympics are related to politics in the sense that athletes will represent their own nations in competitions. If they win, their nations’ anthems will be played while their countries’ flags wave over their heads. This the highest honor that can be awarded to those players, some of whom have spent their lives practicing their sport, and this is widely accepted. The cartoon displayed hatred toward these people.

While we know personal views should be respected, they can also be biased, ignorant or manipulated. We also know that the readers should at least receive some respect, and this cartoon should not have been published without being checked first; otherwise, the newspaper could have become a place for attacking and insulting. Thus, on behalf of friendly and peaceful Chinese, who will still welcome you to Beijing for the Olympics, we request an apology from both the cartoon’s author and editors to those whose feelings have been hurt. Your understanding will be greatly appreciated.

Dan LiaoChinese Student & Scholar AssociationPresident

“Investigative”journalism at its worst

Several days ago, our office was contacted by several current and former members of the University of Maryland Foundation Board of Trustees. During the past 24 hours, calls have increased and the expressed concerns have intensified. Overall, the calls reflected a grave concern about recent contacts by Diamondback reporters in a less-than-shaded attempt to establish some sort of conspiracy related to board members and the university’s position on the Purple Line.

Under the guise of exploring their interest in and financial support of the university – its students, programs and issues – board members were disingenuously questioned by Diamondback reporters about their connection to the Purple Line discussion.

Our trustees and donors used words like “sloppy,” “dishonest,” “misguided,” “sophomoric” and “insulting” to describe The Diamondback’s approach and tactics.

With absolutely no evidence of any inappropriate action by our alumni, Diamondback reporters have contacted our institutional friends and longtime supporters – prominent business and community leaders – in the most unprofessional manner.

These board members have passionately funded student scholarships, helped support the recruitment of outstanding faculty and the strengthening of a wide range of academic areas and have assisted our arts, athletics and community service programs.

To suggest, and then “investigate,” the possibility of influence peddling with no substantive reasoning only serves to offend those who selflessly have worked on behalf of the university.

It is blatantly uncalled for and certainly does not meet the test of proper journalistic standards or the storied tradition of The Diamondback.

Board members have opened their very busy schedules to make themselves available to the university and to The Diamondback. This recent foray by the reporters has taken that relationship a step backward.

When this happens, students lose.

Millree WilliamsDirectorOffice of University Communications

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