Letters

To the Editor:

I write in response to your article headlined "Concordia story misleading".

Since you were so quick to print Concordia rector Frederick Lowy's allegations on the accuracy of my work in the Gazette, I am sure you will give equal time to me.

Dr. Lowy states that it was "erroneous" and "premature" of the Gazette to publish a list of programs "to be dropped or cut," saying "no decision has yet been taken." He continues, "The recommendations are still under consideration."

The Gazette article made it clear that the planning paper was a proposal, and that the cuts were to be made after formal approvals were obtained.

Further, at the time I wrote the article, Concordia's administration had already scheduled a senate meeting February 14 at which it expected the planning paper to be approved. There was no administration talk of consultation with faculty until members of the senate protested the way the proposal for cuts was being handled.

At the senate meeting, Drs. Lowy and Lightstone never gave undertakings that the proposal could be substantially changed. They also took great pains to tell faculty that the planning paper must be acted upon by May 31--before someone else imposed even more destructive cuts upon the university.

Your article further states it was a "signifcant omission" that the Gazette failed to report on Concordia's intent to establish a core curriculum in the humanities and sciences. The news of concern to the general Montreal community was the cuts.

The Gazette has played this story fairly and accurately. I am surprised that you would boldly print the statements of Dr. Lowy, who clearly is in damage-control mode, without troubling yourself to do some real reporting of your own.

Carolyn Adolph
Gazette reporter

Ed note: Ms. Adolph is concerned about aspersions on her accuracy. Yet we must point out that nowhere in the Reporter article did Dr. Lowy use the word "erroneous" or say either "no decision has yet been taken," or "The recommendations are still under consideration."

He did say the Gazette article was "premature," although with it he used the adjective "grossly." Ms. Adolph insists she writes accurately, but apparently she doesn't read very carefully.

To the Editor:

As I read the McGill Reporter one day
This is what it had to say,
"Enhanced Retirement Unveiled"
Instantly, my application was mailed.
My mind started to tick and click, about this new trick
There was no hesitation over my resignation.
At long last I am retiring
Rumours are no more hiring
Only downsizing and severe economizing!
Ouch! My budget, how agonizing!
I've seen many changes sweep the University,
Today, we can call McGill "Electronic City"
Forty-three years I've worked hard and long
Today I deserve a survival award,
Right or wrong?
I must confess, no more stress
For McGill I don't know what the future holds.
At the present this enhanced retirement package
"Very well sold."
Thank you for the memories that I'll always treasure,
Once again, working here was a great pleasure!
Today I'm very sad and also very glad.
I'm not saying goodbye,
I'll be back to say "Hi."

Shirley Naveran
Faithful life-long employee