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Salient. Official Newspaper of Victoria University of Wellington Students Association. Vol 40 No. 15. July 4 1977

David

David,

I wish to complain about the way you use your edotorial discretion Your methods are distinctly fascist and at least not about free speech, democracy etc.

I wrote two letters to Salient a while ago — one signed Hera, the other I don't remember. Both discussed sexism and the disgust I feel about the arrogant sexism of men around the University.

Neither was printed for two weeks so I sent the one signed Hera in again — having misplaced the other. You then printed that letter only— changing the work 'mutant' — used in that case to mean men, to 'militant'. I think that's pretty bad, changing someones words, thereby changing the meaning.

I don't want to rave about it. I don't think it's funny. I think it unfair. I sonder how many other letters you change and it you don't change whether my topic i.e. meant sexism was the reason for the alteration.

The other thing that is important here is that you do print (unaltered or not, I'm not sure) very sexist letters by men and women (especially recently on abortion).

I expect you to print this letter. I would appreciate it If you could leave it unaltered and not use too much of your obvious prejudice in deciding where it should be placed and under which heading. If there is an explanation for these things I would like to hear it.

Aside from that I do also want to add that I find Salient a really good newspaper to read — very Informative about on-[unclear: hoing] issues, — not including women's issues.

Sarah Smith.

(We print all letters except where libellous, in breach of the Race Relations Act or patently silly and obscene. However, we receive hundreds of letters and naturally we have to leave many out every issue. As regarding the changing of letters this happens only to correct spelling mistakes and appallingly bad grammar, otherwise any changes are due to the typist and proof readers being unable to read the handwriting.)

—Ed.