TO THE EDITOR: During the commencement ceremony on May 12, 1996 — Mother’s Day — a cloud of smoke floated over Kenan Stadium, masking the Carolina blue sky, a cloud originating from the Phi Gamma Delta house. That morning, five young people lost their lives in a tragic fire: Mark Strickland, Josh Weaver, Ben Woodruff, Joanna Howell and Anne Smith. Today, let us think of those five young Tar Heels. Let their memory remind us all that our time is precious, that our safety lies in our own hands. As a result of the fire, all dorms and Greek houses have sprinklers and fire alarm systems with direct notification to the fire department. If you live off campus, insist that every bedroom have a working smoke detector and try to select housing with sprinkler systems. We truly have heroes in the Chapel Hill Fire Department who keep us all safe and healthy. But ultimately, it is our individual responsibility to ensure that we are well protected from fire.

TO THE EDITOR:
The passage of the Marriage Protection Amendment marks a victory for North Carolina families.

TO THE EDITOR:
The recently issued “Review of Courses in the Department of African and Afro-American Studies” at UNC is sobering and disappointing for all of us who believe deeply in African and Afro-American studies and are committed to upholding the ideals and the integrity of the University. The findings of the report have been a heavy blow to us.

After reading this week’s letter to the editor in the DTH about how the “Rape-Free Zone” T-shirts send a misguided message, I decided that I might have to reply to the contrary.

Carolina’s population of transfer students is one of the most diverse groups on campus, made up of students from many areas, ages and family statuses. They face many unique challenges, and unfortunately, this discourages many from fully immersing themselves in university and state issues.

The members of the Carolina Black Caucus express our concern for the lack of understanding of the collective hurt felt by many in the black community in response to the killing of Trayvon Martin. This tragic incident has garnered the attention of the world.

TO THE EDITOR: Last week, I received a free T-shirt in the Pit proclaiming on a neon green shirt that I am a “Rape Free Zone.” I considered the logo kind of misguided, but took the shirt anyway because it was for a good cause.

TO THE EDITOR: Over the last couple of days, as evidenced in posts on Facebook and Thursday’s Quick Hits, there’s been a minor uproar over James Dodson’s offensive and flippant message in response to Jeff Deluca’s letter to the editor.

I was brought to this great country when I was 18 months old by some of the most hardworking, caring people I know — my parents. When I was a little boy, I never imagined that I would be fighting for my life; fighting for the rights of my family and my community.

TO THE EDITOR: Tuesday we were threatened with arrest while sitting in the Pit. Why? Because we were sitting next to a tent, which is prohibited according to facility use policies.

I have always been told, ‘If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.’ Scoot Food — which has yet to prove the longevity and sustainability of its own business model — was hailed in last week’s editorial for its “business savvy and social awareness” because it plans to donate 50 percent of its profits to charity.

The Thomas International Center, whose mission is “cultural renewal in light of the Western and Christian intellectual traditions,” is bringing Christopher Wolfe to campus today to give a “detailed talk” about same-sex marriage in 307 Dey Hall at 7 p.m.

On May 8, Tar Heels have a unique opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to equal rights and opportunity for all residents.

Don’t want to wait for the May 8 N.C. primary day or early voting? Away from home? Vote by mail — any registered N.C.

Many articles have recently emphasized issues concerning graduate students, from stipends to tuition hikes. Opinions are being aired, but no information has been provided on what you as UNC graduate students can do to ease the graduate school experience during these tough times.

I wish I could have written this letter a long time ago. Unfortunately, I only found out about the wonderful place called the Carolina Campus Community Garden this semester, my last.

In an article on Monday, Phillip Dixon, who chairs the Personnel and Tenure Committee of the Board of Governors, suggested that University employees protected by the State Personnel Act (SPA) would have nothing to worry about under Senate Bill 575, which proposes a unified personnel system.

TO THE EDITOR:
I am proud of how seriously UNC takes the honor system, and I appreciate the codes that promote honest conduct here at UNC.
Unfortunately, some of my experiences have made me disappointed in the convictions of my peers and neighbors.

TO THE EDITOR:
The Daily Tar Heel reported Friday that President Ross described the interruptions at last week’s Board of Governors’ meeting as “uncomfortable and … something we don’t like.”

TO THE EDITOR:
First of all, thank you, Sabrina Negron, for sharing your story with us. Your resilience and courage is amazing.