To the editor:

After reading the comments of Doris Stine and others in our community I would like to make some clarifications about the Kansas University chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and our noise ordinance proposal.

First in response to Ms. Stine’s letter, I would like to thank her for her work with the ACLU. I have proudly served as the KU chapter president for the last two years. In that time, I have worked with our sister chapters though Ms. Stine seems to have forgotten that. We also have held events supporting adoption rights, civic responsibility, censorship and a large forum on the death penalty this year alone. Sadly Ms. Stine apparently couldn’t attend those events.

When it comes to the war in Iraq, that is not under the scope of our organization, and I respect the long tradition of the ACLU too much to tarnish it by venturing into political ideology instead of ensuring the protection of the Constitution. I wish Ms. Stine wouldn’t tarnish the hard work of the 200-plus members of KU ACLU who are the future of this country.

Lastly the noise ordinance is outdated and being used in a harmful manner. I have been told this by students, community members and officers of the law. We do not want special privileges, only equal rights. All we wished to do is adopt a sensible law that provides protection to both sides by using an objective standard. Decibel limits have been used across this country successfully for decades, and it is time that Lawrence followed suit with a just and fair ordinance.

Justin La Mort,

Lawrence