Editor:

This letter is in response to the Inland Valley Our Times story by Tipton Bush regarding the April 1, 2000 "joke issue" of the Pomona College student newspaper, The Student Life ("Pomona College Satire a Hot Issue," April 7, 2000). I was the subject of the "front-page expose" of The Student Life regarding a Black professor who ostensibly was "really White." Based on the Inland Valley Our Times story, one might draw the incorrect conclusion that I was personally offended by the "expose" in The Student Life. As it turns out, however, I was not offended at all. Unfortunately, the Inland Valley Our Times reporter never sought my opinion regarding the "expose."

I have been lampooned by The Student Life in at least one previous "joke issue" (i.e., Spring 1999), contending that Pomona College has decided that I was "too Black" to be granted tenure. I have enjoyed the "joke issue" stories on me, partly because the stories clearly were meant to be satirical, and partly because the "joke issue" stories fit within the larger context of the consistent willingness of The Student Life to cover my battle for tenure. To be honest, the Inland Valley Our Times has failed to display a similar willingness to cover my battle, despite my attempts to inform it of my situation.

In closing, I note that the basic right of freedom of the press applies to The Student Life, just as it applies to the Inland Valley Our Times.

Even if I had been offended by the "joke issue" stories on me, I would have acknowledged that right. The fact that I was not offended should have been emphasized in the Inland Valley Our Times story.

Sincerely,

Stanley O. Gaines, Jr.

Assistant Professor

Psychology/Black Studies

Pomona College

A copy of this letter was sent to the Inland Valley Our Times. -Ed.