The Cavalier Daily's lead editorial addressing Barbara Pierson's presentation to the Honor Committee ("Trying Times," Sept. 29) seems to make an issue out of Ms. Pierson's presentation that simply did not exist. Ms. Pierson did not go to the Honor Committee asking them to change their procedures in regards to the psychological conditions of accused students, and as a result, The Cavalier Daily's response asserting that the current procedures are sufficient seems bafflingly irrelevant to the presentation.
A simple reading of what Ms. Pierson stated indicates that she spoke to the Honor Committee for two reasons. First, to support a change in the definition of plagiarism to include a strong intent component. Second, to ensure that the Honor Committee actually hears of the emotional experience of an accused student, something it far too often does not. While Ms. Pierson did state that a student Advisor cannot understand the trauma, which is true, she did not call for major reforms to the system. Instead she simply asked for improved training, and that the Honor Committee always keep in mind the emotional impact of the decisions it makes.
Both of these reasons for Ms. Pierson's statement are inherently reasonable, and not deserving of the mistreatment afforded them by The Cavalier Daily editorial. She did not request some sweeping change to the system, and to act as though she did entirely misrepresents the purpose of her presentation, and may unfortunately serve to discourage others like her from speaking in the future. I hope The Cavalier Daily will think twice in the future, before jumping to such wild conclusions.
Sam Leven\nLAW III
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