Some of the letters expressed shock and disgust. Two readers said they would not pick up another copy of The Towerlight in the future. We do not have space to print every letter, but we have tried to print representative excerpts below.
Prior to publication, the editorial board thoroughly discussed a draft of the column and determined that the content should remain frank and honest.
The column was written not to shock or increase circulation but, as with every other Towerlight article, to foster a conversation about a subject that affects our readers. We know sex is an important topic to many readers, and we believe an informed, open exchange about all issues is a benefit to the campus.
In a second meeting, on Sunday afternoon, we discussed the feedback that had been received. Some editors raised concerns that certain words were obviously distracting readers from the larger subject of the column. But we agreed without hesitation that the sex column is an important addition to the publication.
Following conversations with Towson President Robert Caret and USM Chancellor Brit Kirwan, who both expressed displeasure with the column, we had another discussion on Sunday evening. In that meeting, we concluded that the sex column should continue.
We take our responsibilities as editors seriously. Some readers feel that we failed on this occasion, and we respect their right to challenge us and to have their views aired on these pages. "Between the Sheets" will continue to appear as a column in The Towerlight. It will also continue to evolve.
Despite the criticisms, we believe sexuality is an important topic to be discussed. "Finally, someone is writing about sex," was one positive response we have heard several times over the last few days. The opinions of all students should be respected, including those who appreciate and support the column.
At least one English class spent an hour discussing the column on Friday. Most of the class came to a conclusion that we support: If you don't like the content, turn the page. For the record, dozens of other college newspapers have published sex columns in the last five years.
We are also reminded that HBO shows like "Real Sex" and "Erotic Confessions" are broadcast into dorm rooms every night, and that publications like City Paper (featuring explicit sexual content) are distributed on campus right next to The Towerlight.
Of course, The Towerlight does not aspire to be a City Paper â€" but neither does it aspire to be The Baltimore Sun. We are a student newspaper. The majority of our readers are college students. We write our stories accordingly.
Some of the letters we have received are vulgar, even as they decry the newspaper's decision to print graphic language. "Someone needs to stop this slut from writing any trash," an anonymous student wrote on TheTowerlight.com. "I am beginning to wonder what kind of moronic, incompetent, oversexed bastard allowed this to be published," an unsigned letter said.
After a spirited discussion on Thursday night, several members of the Newman Club submitted letters. "If this column appears in [the next] edition, expect to see it littering the campus," sophomore Ben Lorenz warned.
(We remind our readers that any theft of copies of "free" newspapers for the purpose of preventing others from reading them is a crime. The appropriate way to praise or protest something they agree or disagree with is to submit a letter to the editor.)
Many of the letters implied that The Towerlight should be consciously promoting the University. "This column goes completely against the desires of Towson's head honchos to attract future students," sophomore English education major Brian Sackett wrote.
But The Towerlight is not a promotional tool for Towson University. It is a newspaper. It is financially self-sufficient, and does not receive money from student fees or academic departments. The paper does not report to any University official.
We are open to proactive suggestions for improving the column, as well as the rest of The Towerlight.
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