PRINTING ACCUSED STUDENT'S NAME WAS IRRESPONSIBLE

To the Editor:

As a friend of the CC senior who was recently arrested for possession of
marijuana ("CC Senior Arrested for Marijuana Possession," Sept. 4, 2003), I
feel that Spectator exercised extremely poor judgment when it chose to print
the name of the accused. As everyone at Columbia is well aware, the college
years are a volatile time. Students often make mistakes that can have
far-reaching consequences. Dealing with the legal consequences of a
situation like the one at hand can be troubling enough. However, also having
to deal with the fallout of having your name publicized in Spectator is
unfair and far too much to bear. Mistakes are part of being human; having
them publicized in the media seems excessively cruel. Please exercise better
judgment in the future.

Yoni Liss,

CC '03
Sept. 4, 2003