Dear Editor:
One of the philosophies of our administration is that there is no such thing as a boys' gym or a girls' gym. The gyms are Maine West facilities. It seems that this philosophy is adhered to very nicely when it comes time for the boys to use the gyms. Why is it so easily forgotten when the girls want the use of the gyms? The spectator gym, the indoor track, and A‑wing gym are completely off limits to girls for after-school activities.

For a part of the year, the pool is entirely for the boys. This is only fair because the girls have it to themselves for a part of the year, right? Wrong. During the time the girls supposedly have possession of the pool, the boys' swim team comes in whenever it wants to practice. Even now, the boys have the right to half of B‑wing gym. This, however, is not too bad.

The problem arises when C‑wing gym, the only real facility for the girls is taken over by the boys at exactly 4:45. If the girls are not completely done by this time, the coaches come in and order the girls out. It is not a simple request to hurry; it is a direct order.

Discrimination against girls' sports has been a part of Maine West for a long time, and it is time for it to stop. Is it so wrong for the girls to want one good facility to use after school for as long as they wish? We feel we are not asking too much of the school, only a little courtesy and a little fair distribution of student facilities.

Sue Batdorf
Donna Permoda
Dian Ehorn
Diana Esposito
Karen Andersen
Karen Hodorowski


Dear Editor:
As a member of Hotline, your article stimulated me to write to you and in turn to the students of Maine West.

Hotline is the best place for help today, and it is as near as your telephone. If you've got a problem, call Hot line. We're ready to assist you in any way. Hotline is always willing to listen to your personal problems that perhaps you can't discuss with parents. Count on us. Then call us at 825‑0680.

David Christensen, Hotline

Dear Editor:
I think it is time that the administration of this school starts to realize what is going on. There appears to be a definite conflict between the M‑Club and the rest of the school during lunch periods.

There was an incident at 4a lunch that both shocked and angered me. An M‑Club member approached our table and asked for the removal of a tray. The bell had not even rung yet. We joked around with him, but apparently it didn't suit him and he gave a hard punch on the head to one of the boys at the table. The teacher in charge who observed all this did nothing more than ask what was wrong.

If this had been anyone else or if the boy had returned the punch, how many of the M-Club police force and teachers would have been on the scene? Most likely, half the administration would have jumped on the boy and come to the defense of the virtuous M‑Club.

All we are asking for is the removal of these M‑Club guys who think they are so special and different from everyone else. We don't need a police force at Maine West. Maybe they should try dogs next.

Colleen Kelly '72

Dear Editor:
As of the week of October 19, I have been down to the Deans' Office twice. The first occasion was, I was told, when I cut a study fourth period; during that time, I was in a driver ed car, a mistake by the study hall teacher. During the 20 minutes I waited because of a mistake, I could have done my homework.

The second time was Friday of that same week. Once again, the same teacher sent a behavior report on me to the dean. When I claimed I was in the library, I was told to check the pink library slips. My slip was the top one of all the slips. And then I recall on that same day seeing her coming from B‑202 after I left the library. The teacher without thinking claimed I cut. Another waste of time at the Deans' Office.

I am displeased; let's face it, for a person who hasn't had a detention in three years of high school, it's very incriminating when you're seen down there. Bureaucracy is causing havoc. So teachers, please check the circumstances before you write a behavior report.

Bob Scarola