TO THE EDITOR:
First of all, as a former newspaper editor, I personally cannot imagine allowing an article that looks anything like this be published. It was poorly written, grammatically sloppy and badly formatted. But even worse than that, it was cruel. Tim Fresch's friends and family have to see this article. In addition to having endured a horrific loss, this article is a slap in their faces. Do you not think they've suffered enough without this article to add insult to injury?
When I first decided to come to Miami, I couldn't wait to try to write for The Student. Fast-forward two years, and I am embarrassed that our newspaper is willing to stoop so low. Don't call an article a "memorial" and use it to promote your anti-partying mentality. There is a time and a place for discussing issues of alcohol abuse on college campuses. Inserting personal opinions on college culture into a supposed memorial for a recently deceased student is distasteful and unacceptable.
After reading this article, I came away knowing almost nothing about Tim. However, I feel as though I learned a lot about the writer and editor(s) of this article, and about the editor-in-chief of The Student, who continues to stand by their writings. And what I learned, quite frankly, disgusts me.
Here at Miami, we do tend to haphazardly throw around the terms "Love and Honor." But your "memorial" to Tim went completely against everything Miami stands for.
Your memorial to student MinGi Kang was moving and eloquent. Why don't Tim's life and tragic death deserve the same respect?
A student newspaper is a powerful force on campus, as you've proven time and time again with your important reporting on issues of diversity, inclusion and equality at Miami. But you continue to sell yourself short by publishing articles that come across as insensitive at best and downright spiteful at worst. Please prove that you're better than that, and please honor Tim's memory without trying to push an agenda.
Lauryn Lahr
lahrla@miamioh.edu