Tuesday, April 7, 1998
Thumbs up/ Thumbs down
Cheaters never prosper
Thumbs down to Missouri Sen. Charles Ehlmann, who is pushing a
bill that would recognize cheating as a Class B misdemeanor. If
convicted, it would carry a maximum penalty of six months in jail
and a $500 fine. During election time, politicians have been known
to propose new bills that mean little, but grab headlines. Academic
issues should be handled by the university, not in an outside court
of law.
LAPD takes criticism
Thumbs up to UCLA’s School of Public Policy and Social Research
along with Education and Information Studies for adding a new class
called "Public Organizations at the Crossroads: Transforming the
Los Angeles Police Department." This class demonstrates that the
LAPD is taking a step to look to the community for input and
criticism. It allows university students to dissect past issues
that the LAPD has been known for such as social and racial
injustice. The class will be studying the transition from
traditional policing toward more community policing, along with
myriad issues regarding the LAPD.
Policy stifles free speech
Thumbs down to the U.S. State Department for not granting visas
to 11 featured guests scheduled to speak at a historic UC Berkeley
conference last month. The conference was designed to present
academics and professionals from both countries an opportunity to
discuss issues that Cuba currently faces, including race relations,
technology and the freedom of political thought. A 1985 policy
imposed by then-President Ronald Reagan bans officials in the Cuban
government and members of the Cuban National Party from entering
the United States. The U.S. is doing exactly what the Cuban
government is criticized for doing – stifling free speech. Academic
opportunities should never be restricted or sacrificed because of
out-dated political policies.
Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down represents a majority opinion of the Daily
Bruin Editorial Board. Please send comments to
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