First of all, I want to apologize to the author and anyone at the campout who felt we created a hostile environment; we certainly did not intend to do so.

If the author had approached us for a conversation — as many students did Friday night — he would have learned our opposition is not to MSU basketball, and that many of us are devoted MSU sports fans. We maintain that enjoying sports and occasionally questioning the actions of athletes are not mutually exclusive.

Personally, I am proud to be a Spartan, and I feel grateful for the broad perspective and affinity for critical thinking my MSU education has given me.

I am both embarrassed and disappointed if all the author has taken from his four years here is an unquestioning acceptance of authority and a dogmatic approach to sports fandom.

The author’s assertion is that any disciplinary action directed toward the accused would “(ruin) their reputations,” and by implication, ruin their lives.

“What,” I want to ask him, “about the young woman whose own life might have been ruined — or at least deeply impacted — by the basketball players’ alleged actions?”

The author does not seem to remember the MSU police recommended that the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office pick up the case.

This case might be closed as far as the prosecutor’s office is concerned, but MSU has an opportunity to position itself as an institution that prioritizes the pursuit of truth and justice over a shot at the Final Four.

Right now, I am not sure MSU is such an institution. The fact that The State News originally devoted only two paragraphs to our demonstration — but published a column-length letter decrying it — is an indication progress has not yet been achieved.

I hope that in the future our university and its publications become more committed to fairness and objectivity.

Emily Syrja, English and women’s and gender studies sophomore