I’m writing about Robert and Lois Self’s decision to have freshmen English students write gender neutral. As a freshman myself, I have a direct interest in the matter, so I feel I must say my peace.

First, in regard to June Paul’s letter, she says, “I don’t see how teaching sensitivity to English students is malicious censorship in any way.”

Well, this policy certainly is not malicious, it’s being implemented for the best of reasons. But if I want to express myself as a male sexist pig, doesn’t this policy prohibit me from doing so? I’m afraid the answer is yes. Hmm, and I thought freedom of expression was guaranteed by the Constitution.

Second, June Paul says, “This isn’t a technique that is meant to make it more difficult for people to write or to stifle creativity, (we just covered that. Sorry, June.), it’s a way of reconstructing our thought processes to include the female counterpart.”

Well, now I’m confused. All this time I thought the words her, she, woman, female, and lady actually meant something.

It’s not that I’m against female equality; I’m for equal rights. However, in order for one to understand what another person thinks, that person must be able to express him or herself freely.

So, although this policy was designed in the best of interests, it is ludicrous to expect any male louts such as myself to write in the gender neutral.

I happen to like women, and I will continue to write about them. Thank you.

Patrick T. Hultquist

Freshman

Pre-computer science