In making the statements it does in the piece “‘Funniest’ a serious concern” (Oct.15, p. 1) regarding Damon Davidson’s alleged plagiarism, the editorial board should consider its own words: “Such behavior is pathetic and embarrassing, if not totally surprising.”

I find that the ability of some Boston University students to cruelly criticize and harshly insult another student is pathetic, embarrassing and surprising. True, it is an opinion piece, but did anyone pause to think before rashly composing this one?

Did anyone think about Davidson as a person before slandering and humiliating him in a publication available to the entire BU community? Maybe the authors did not know that not only was Davidson an excellent resident assistant last year, but he is also a manager of the Escort Service and is currently in Oregon with Boston University Admissions.

One of the honorable aspects of journalism is that it presents the reader with two perspectives on an issue and lets the reader decide, based on facts and quotes, which viewpoint he or she identifies or agrees with. It is unfair to attack Davidson in this manner when he has no chance to respond or give his side of the story. I am not addressing whether or not Davidson plagiarized his routine; I am merely stating that it is unnecessary and appalling that BU students believe writing an extremely vicious piece about another student, whose comments have yet to be heard, is justifiable.

Naomi Abel

CFA ’09